入境處

As a seasoned world traveler, I've had my fair share of encounters with immigration officers. From the stern-faced bureaucrats who grilled me about my travel plans to the friendly ones who greeted me with a smile, I've seen it all.

One particular encounter at the Hong Kong Immigration Department stands out. I was returning from a whirlwind trip to Shenzhen, China, and I was prepared for the usual routine: hand over my passport, answer a few questions, and proceed to the baggage claim.

But this time was different. The immigration officer, a middle-aged woman with a kind and gentle demeanor, looked at my passport and raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me, ma'am," she said. "You've been visiting Shenzhen quite frequently lately."
"Oh, yes," I replied. "I'm working on a project that requires me to travel there often."

She nodded understandingly. "I see," she said. "Well, I just wanted to make sure everything was in order."

I assured her that it was, and she proceeded to stamp my passport. As I was about to collect my luggage, she stopped me.

"Excuse me," she said again. "I couldn't help but notice your accent. Are you from America?"

I nodded. "Yes, I am," I replied.

A warm smile spread across her face. "Welcome to Hong Kong," she said. "We're glad to have you here."

Her simple words touched me in a way I didn't expect. In that moment, I realized that immigration officers were more than just border patrol agents. They were ambassadors, welcoming visitors to their country with open arms.

As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the kindness and professionalism of the Hong Kong Immigration Department. They had made my entry into the city smooth and seamless, and they had shown me that even in the most bureaucratic of settings, human connection could prevail.