RESIDENTS can now handle their exit-entry document applications at service halls of the public security bureau across the city during noon hours.

Residents need to make reservations in advance for two time periods, between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. and between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., through the WeChat account of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau.

The extra service hours will benefit applicants who can’t come during work hours.

According to Gu Fan, an official with the exit-entry administration, the quotas for noon reservations were set at one-third of the hourly traffic during normal service hours.

The service hall of the city’s exit-entry administration has set a quota of 120 applications for noon services. Each district service hall can set and adjust its quota according to the situation.

It is another service improvement measure taken by the exit-entry administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau following the launch of Saturday morning services.

Also, residents can process their applications for a passport or travel permit at the self-service machines across the city that offer 24-hour services.

In another development, the city’s property trade and registration center also started offering noon services from Monday as part of an effort to improve the service environment for residents and enterprises.

The extra-hour service was applauded by residents.

A woman, surnamed Xie, had her application for Hong Kong and Macao travel permit processed at the service hall of the city’s exit-entry administration in Luohu District on Monday noon.

“It is great that they are open at noon,” said Xie. “I had to ask for leave in order to come here to apply for a passport or a travel permit in the past.”

(Han Ximin)