20
CONFIDENTIAL
influential employers referred to above might not therefore qualify under the scheme envisaged, and if the points system were adjusted to include them, the general balance would shift towards an older than intended age range which would be against the interests of Hong Kong. Moreover, it seems quite possible that they might not apply if they have to be assessed against others (and disclose their financial assets in the process).
12. If Ministers wish to cater for this group, it would seem best to do so by a specific procedure whereby the Steering Group would invite them to apply as soon as the scheme got under way, and recommended them without submitting them to the points system. This could be criticised as elitist, but seems to be the only certain way of 'catching' the people concerned. Though the numbers could be strictly limited, the existence of the device would have to be in some way a published element of the scheme.
CONFIDENTIAL
Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)
5