HRIC 305/2
RACCIVED
11 DEC1979
INDEK
기
AN
IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO 3)
REGULATIONS 1979
Annexed for Members' consideration are the Immigration
(Amendment) (No 3) Regulations 1979 which seek to increase visa fees.
Background
2
When Immigration Department fees were revised in March 1976, visa fees were not included in the revision as it was considered undesirable that Hong Kong should increase these fees unilaterally and thus upset the reciprocity which exists between Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and other countries. However, on 7th February 1977 the United Kingdom increased it's visa fees from £2 to £4 for an ordinary visa and from 50p to £1.50 for a transit visa. On 17th May 1977, with the agreement of Members, the Hong Kong fees were correspondingly raised from $29 to $32 for an ordinary visa and from $7 to $12 for a transit visa, using an exchange rate of HK$8 £1.
Proposal
3
There has been no further increase in United Kingdom visa fees, but the Treasury exchange rate is now $10.445: £1. While it is not intended to vary the visa fees with each fluctuation of the exchange rate, it is felt that they should be revised from time to time to bring the United Kingdom and Hong Kong fees broadly into line. It is therefore proposed that the visa fees for Hong Kong should be revised from $32 to $45 for an ordinary visa and from $12 to $16 for a transit visa, to take account of the current exchange rate.
Financial Implications
4
The proposed increase in standard visa fees will generate estimated additional revenue of $1.9 million per year.
CONFIDENTIAL