CONFIDENTIAL
What //
the total population
is HK >
Dependent territories receive a fixed annual allocation of work permits
for their citizens, at present 300 for all dependent territories, of which
Hong Kong has 200. There are at any time about 500-600 applications out-
standing, which means, for the unskilled or semi-skilled, a waiting time of
two to three years.
Applications from skilled or professional people are
treated more quickly within the quota.
Applications from "stateless" residents of Hong Kong are dealt with
All applicants
under the normal work permit scheme for foreign nationals.
must satisfy the normal work permit requirements: eg applications will
only be considered if there is a lack of suitable local labour.
Applications
from unskilled or semi-skilled workers are considered only for the catering
trade. 617 permits were issued in 1972, of which 380 were for employment in
the catering trade. For the first nine months of 1973 only 300 permits were
issued for all employment. This reflects the general tightening up by the
Department of Employment on the issue of permits.
With the tighter restrictions on the issue of permits, particularly to
those semi-skilled or unskilled workers in the catering trade, the imbalance
between Hong Kong citizens and "stateless" residents may be reduced.
NUMBERS OF HONG KONG CITIZENS ADMITTED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
-
JANUARY SEPTEMBER 1973
Total admitted
14,885
On holiday
6,782
Business visits
4444
In transit
1,716
Students
1,412
Work permit holders:
Permits for 12 months
69
NTIAL
/cont'd