Hongkongers can now book virtual visits with prisoners under trial scheme
Prison authority says system aims to harness technology to offer visitors greater convenience and a more ‘people-oriented visit experience’
Family and friends of prisoners in Hong Kong can now book their online video visits through a trial scheme that will later be expanded to cover more remote correctional facilities, authorities have said.
The Correctional Services Department launched a trial scheme for video visit e-booking on Wednesday, covering four correctional facilities on Lantau Island. The calls can only be made from select locations.
“Visitors can easily book video visits through the online platform as needed, and the locations available for video visits have also increased to six, distributed across different districts,” the department said in a social media post.
“This new measure aims to leverage technology to offer visitors more choices, greater convenience, and a more people-oriented visit experience.”
The four facilities able to receive video visits are Shek Pik Prison, Tong Fuk Correctional Institution, Sha Tsui Correctional Institution and Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre.
“After reviewing the trial situation, the video visit electronic booking service will be gradually extended to correctional facilities in other areas, providing residents in need with one more mode of choice for future visits,” the department added.
Visitors interested in making a reservation must first register an account on the “iAM Smart+” mobile app or the General Visit e-Services Platform to use the e-booking function.