HSBC said on Monday that it would start opening three of its branches at weekends to cope with a surge in customers from outside Hong Kong since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

Customers will have to make appointments to visit the branches in Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay and Kwun Tong on Saturdays and Sundays. The new arrangement takes effect this Saturday.

In a statement, HSBC said it had seen a significant increase in the number of people based outside Hong Kong visiting its branches since Covid restrictions were eased in February.

HSBC's wealth and personal banking chief, Janet Pang, said in the statement that the number of non-local people visiting its branches last month was double the level in January, driven mostly by mainland customers.

“We hope to offer the best customer convenience through piloting a seven-day operation at three branches, considering the usual arrival peak for mainland China and overseas visitors on weekends and the growing demand for banking services,” she said.

The three branches will open from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday and every Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.