Crossing border with a child - Macau

 


Cotai Jet

As seen on the ferry schedules, the ferries departed every 30 minutes. So with an intention to catch 11:00am's train, we arrived at the Shun Tak centre at 10:15am. Unfortunately, despite of our Groupon tickets,  the ferry was packed and we had to wait for noon's ferry which was an hour and half later. Anway, we replaced our vouchers with the Cotai Jet ticket and after finding the departure hall, we intended to kill our time by going out of the Shun Tak centre. In the begining, the pleasant weather favoured us as we waited outside the Shun Tak Centre, overlooking Western Market. As we waited for our sailing schedule, I
sat writing while Rachi was busy on the phone and Rabin went to empty his bladder. Time to time the sky turned dark, and brought a few patches of rain and we foresaw the inclement weather. Taking all the risks, we planned for the trip to visit Ashok. Paying a vist to him was more important than sight-seeing. I had already been there and looked around in the past, so it was okay for me if I could not see around. We can always travel later. But for now, this trip was for my brother. If only we could see him and talk to him, that was the main reason we were heading to Macau despite of the weather.
 

4 of us









Brunch at the Emperor



Spoon-feeding hubby





3 R







We got in the check-in post 20 minutes before the sailing time and waited for the ship to sail. Now the weather has started showing it's ugly face. The sky was growing darker, the rain was getting heavier and the sea was rough with waves swirling. At some point, we could not see anything at all as it was so dark. The clock has only struck 12:15 noon, it seemed like midnight. Anyway, we were off to Taipa and then to Macau. Nothing could stop us from going there.

Inside, we sat comfortably. The seats were wider and we experienced only a slight movement and dizziness. The last that I took to First Ferry to go there and as far as I can recall a frequent shakiness and that got me sea- sickness. Here beside my family, I felt nothing was moving. It took an hour to get to Taipa.

Taipa is a new port and in the past years many casinos and many luxurious hotels have been mushrooming up. The ferry is located near the Taipa Airport.
We had to wait for an hour and half for the immigration clearace.The security staff were from China's province and we could not grasp a word from their native dialect. Milan dai had suggested to us automatic clearance from the Wanchai Immigration. But then we discarded his suggestion. We are not going to go to Macau frequently so it was not necessary for automation of Identity card. But then when we had to wait for that long, it seemed to us that automation was a vital. However, in the case of Rachida, who has no identity card, we again had to queue up for her. Anyway, even for us couple we may not have to queue up, we still had to queue up for Rachida's document clearance.

After queqing in the "Permanent Resident" section for nearly 30 minutes, a lady staff said that we need to queue in the other line. At least someone came to rescue us. Then she escorted us to the designated line where other passengers with the children older than Rachida were standing. Seeing the other children it was a huge relief. If only that lady had come earlier to escort us, we would not have to wait for that long. Few mintues or so later, our turn came. I gave the Immigration officer my passort on which Rachida's photo was attached too. This was for a very access for us both as we
were traveling together every time we are travling or in the future too. The officer looked at the passport, Rachida's birth certificate and my ID card. Then another officer came and they talked. I told them that we are the Hong Kong Permanent residents.
I asked, " What is the problem? I have submitted all the required documents and there is nothing wrong to keep us waiting."
The officer did not say a word but then another officer came and asked us to follow him into the room. While Rabin was still queuing for his turn, we entered into the room for queries. Despite of all the documents and then we are being held up, not really telling us the reason, I was bit upset with the Immigration system. Then I approached to the counter after I was called. Then I said, " Look, I have provided all the dpocuments. We are not illegal immigrants and I had come to Macau in the past. During my last visit nothing was enquired, I was allowed to go without a question. And in the case of my daughter, she is Hong Kong resident and I have already given you her birth certificate. So, what is causing the problem. Why is it so difficult for us to check-out." The officer said, " We do not recognize's Hong Kong's birth cerificate." He asked if we were departing from Taipa and I said yes. Then he said, " My boss said no problem if you are departing from here." He gave me visa for 1 year and 1 month for Rachida. Then he handed back all the documents and escorted us to the arrival hall. Finally, we felt relieved. God grief!

I wonder why the Immigration department does not provide enough travel guidlines for the travellers especially to the children under 11 years, who do not hold identity cards. Given the sufficient information by the department, it would be stressful and enjoyable journey to the nearby cities and countries. It only take an hour to get to Taipa but then for formal clearance it took us an hour and half which is such a huge waste of time. If enough services were provided to the wandering passengers, everyone's travel would be enjoyable, and officers work would flow smoothly without having to take the passengers into the enquiry room for further clarification. The staff must know that there are passengers who do not speak Chinese and with that in their mind, the management must provide necessary means to enable the non-Chinese speakers to communicate with the staff or provide enough written information on where to go and what to do. The Hong Kong Immigration should let the Macau or Taipa's immigration know the types of documents that are verified by the Hong Kong SAR immigration so as not to lead any misunderstanding. Moreover, the immigration should state the types of documents that are needed for further clarifications. Not specifying any criteria lead to the wastage of time for both the officer and the passenger. Waiting for a longer time would be annoying. All the passengers opt to get out quickly from the immigration check-point and reach to their said destination as soon as they could.

When we were to check-out in the Hong Kong, we again were interrogated and much of our time was wasted. I was so mad with this type of system having to face again even to enter to the country that I live in. Facing the same problem again, I asked the officer, " Is something wrong?" The male officer said softly, " Nothing big, just trying to find out how to clear the child." Then only I came to know that the problem was on theirs side, not from our side. Since the child does not have a identity card, they were discussing how to clear the child. Anyway, they should see this kind of unforeseen problem and should have prepared proper means so as to resolve the problem. The passengers waiting behind you do not know that it's the immigration's problem. They surely presume that the wrong is on YOU and looks at YOU as if YOU are trying to enter illegally. They become angry because they had to wait for their turn. And then in their eyes, YOU are the suspicious person. But then the real truth is the Immigration's policy that have failed to implement or have never implemented or seeking to apply as it occurs.