The police said on Sunday that there has seen a significant increase in people applying to join the force after it relaxed several eligibility requirements. No figures were given but the force said its recruitment day saw some 490 people submitting applications to join.

The Recruitment Experience & Assessment Day aims to recruit probationary inspectors and constables, encouraging participants to register and apply on the spot and take part in some initial selection processes.

The height and weight requirements for Hong Kong police officers was scrapped last month, with those hoping to join also now able to wear glasses or contact lenses during eyesight checks.

Walter Chan, a superintendent from the force's recruitment division, said the changes had bought a significant increase in the number of applicants, although he did not disclose any specific numbers.

He said the goal for this year is to recruit 240 inspectors and 1,350 constables, and the force is making every effort to achieve this target.

From a policy-standpoint, "we try our best to facilitate," Chan said. "We are willing to do some bold actions so as to facilitate different candidates.”

”Perhaps beforehand, they may have some constraints, they cannot reach some of the requirements, but in the end after the adjustment, they can. They have the chance, they have the opportunities to join, to taste,” he added.

The requirement for a level two pass in Chinese and English in the Diploma of Secondary Education exams has also been changed to allow people to join the force through a new in-house written test.

Eliza Thapa, a Nepalese Hongkonger who did not take the public exams, said this had encouraged her to try to join the police.

"After relaxing the requirement, there are actually many ethnic minority individuals of different nationalities who want to apply for the police force," she said.

"Due to events in the past few years, there may be some misunderstandings about the work of the police force. I hope I can lead by example and show everyone that it's a meaningful job," one applicant Fish Wong said.