Family and friends of prisoners in Hong Kong can now book their online video visits through a trial scheme that will be expanded to cover more remote correctional facilities, authorities have announced.

The Correctional Services Department launched a trial scheme for video visit e-booking on Wednesday, covering four correctional facilities on Lantau Island.

“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 are Shek Pik Prison, Tong Fuk Correctional Institution, Sha Tsui Correctional Institution and Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre, according to the post.

“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 “iAM Smart+” or the General Visit e-Services Platform to use the e-booking function, according to the department.