香港布政司署
HKK 256/1
RECEIVED IN DE MOTRY
04 SEP 1985
DESK OFFICUR
REGISTRY
PA
Action Taken
INDEX
Dear Colleague,
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CHIEF SECRETARY'S OFFICE, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, HONG KONG
27 September 1984
Representatives of the British and Chinese Governments have now initialled a draft agreement which enshrines arrangements for the administration of Hong Kong when the territory becomes a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China in 1997. The importance of the role of the public service in ensuring the future stability and prosperity of Hong Kong is recognised in the arrangements for the public service set out in Section IV of Annex I to the Joint Declaration, a copy of which is attached.
2. As head of the Hong Kong public service, I am writing to you to explain how the post-1997 arrangements will affect you as a member of the public service.
3.
First, Section IV of Annex I provides that all members of the Hong Kong public service in 1997 will be able to continue to serve with the SAR Government. They will be able to continue their careers without interruption. Security of employment beyond 1997 is, therefore, provided for.
4. Secondly, Section IV provides that future employment with the SAR Government will be on terms no less favourable than before. That is to say, terms of employment will not be changed to the disadvantage of serving officers.
5. Thirdly, Section IV provides that, after 1997, existing systems relating to the management of the public service will continue. After 1997 all members of the public service will be responsible to the SAR Government. Appointments and promotions will be based on qualifications, experience and ability as at present. Matters such as recruitment, discipline, training and management of the public service will continue to be dealt with in accordance with existing principles and practices. The present practice of restricting certain posts to British, nationals will be discontinued. Special bodies will continue, as now, to be concerned with appointments, pay and conditions of service.
6. Fourthly, Section IV provides that the SAR Government will pay all public service pensions and gratuities, including those already in payment in 1997. It also provides that all pensions and gratuities payable to retired public servants or to public servants' dependants will be on terms no less favourable than before, and that they will be paid irrespective of the beneficiary's nationality or place of residence. Pensions will, therefore, continue to be paid in accordance with present practice.
7. Fifthly, Section IV provides for the continued employment of expatriate officers, but subject to certain restrictions. These officers will not be able to occupy posts at Secretary level and above; nor will they be able to occupy posts of deputy to the heads of certain major departments. They may, however, be employed as advisers at any level. In addition, while expatriate officers can continue to be recruited after 1997 where qualified Hong Kong people are not available, they may only be appointed on a permanent basis if, at that time, they are holders of permanent ID cards. Others will, however, be eligible for appointment to professional and technical posts.
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