The Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, said on Saturday that staff at border control points are well-prepared to handle a surge in travellers in the wake of the mainlands decision to restore multi-entry visas for Shenzhen residents.

The multi-entry visa scheme was scrapped in 2015 at the request of the SAR government due to concerns over parallel trading and overcrowding.

But the scheme will resume from Sunday, and the maximum length of each visit will be seven days.

Speaking on a radio programme, Tang said the policy is expected to benefit about 10 million people, and the government will ensure that residents will not be affected.

"Border control points may be under pressure, but our staff are well-prepared, and they'll minimise leave and they'll open all the counters, to ensure there's enough manpower," he said.

"Customs and police officers will step up patrols at places where a lot of people tended to shop in the past... Similar efforts will be made at tourist spots, to ensure that visitors have a good time, while not affecting our residents."

Tang said the government had discussions with the mainland authorities on extending the opening hours of control points on New Year's Eve, to ensure travellers could return to the mainland after countdown celebrations.

Tourism minister Kevin Yeung, meanwhile, echoed Tang's comments and downplayed the likelihood of parallel trading being an issue.

He believes the scheme will boost several sectors.

"Especially with Christmas around the corner, Hong Kong has more of a Christmas vibe than the mainland, which has attracted lots of teenagers there to come and enjoy the festivities here," he said.

"So with all these factors, generally speaking, the scheme will have a very positive effect on visitor numbers and on businesses between Christmas and Lunar New Year."

Yeung noted that the catering and retail industries are already poised to provide high-quality service and encourage visitors to open their wallets.

But he said the retail sector in particular, has to more work to do on attracting on attracting more tourists.

"The retail sector, in particular, has to offer things with Hong Kong characteristics. It may not be about the product, but the service they provide has to allow travellers to enjoy a different shopping experience from the one they have on the mainland. These experiences are also important."