C.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL #2
For information
ANNEX TO XCCI(79)1
XCCI(78)12 Copy No Page 1
NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
IMMIGRATION POLICY ON DEPENDANTS FROM VIETNAM, LAOS AND KAMPUCHEA (CAMBODIA)
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At the meeting of the Executive Council on 5th September 1978, when a petition for entry by a resident of Vietnam was considered, Honourable Members asked for an information note to be circulated:
(a) setting out the definition of "wives" used in considering applications for entry; and
(b) removing an ambiguity in the last sentence of
paragraph 16 of memorandum XCC(78)20, a copy of which is annexed for Members' reference.
PKA. HKK 24
1243/1/20
Definition of wives
2
In considering applications for entry of wives to join husbands, evidence is usually required by the Immigration Department that a legal marriage exists between the husband and wife. However, where no marriage has taken place, but there is evidence of a longstanding, monogamous man/wife relationship, additional weight is given to the claim to enter.
3
Concubines. Applications from concubines to join husbands in Hong Kong are not normally considered to be within the policy allowing the entry of wives. It is found in practice that when residents seek to bring concubines here from overseas, the subjects of the applications are, in fact, often mistresses rather than concubines. Usually no formal ceremony for the taking of a concubine has taken place. There are also indications that, in some cases, former residents of Vietnam are falsely representing their sisters and other female relatives as their concubines in order to secure the entry of ineligible relatives. Evidence to establish concubinage, even when the relationship, as formerly known in China and Hong Kong, may exist, is difficult to verify when the concubine is residing overseas. However, if the relationship appears to be genuine and there are strong humanitarian considerations involved, the concubine will be admitted.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密