occupational groups within these broad areas would take account
of the rate at which their members were emigrating, to focus the
assurances where the need is greatest.
A number of places would be set aside for other technically or
professionally qualified people, outside the listed occupational
groups, who were performing essential functions.
immigration
authorities.
Applicants in the general allocation section would be marked on
a points system. Although this concept may be unfamiliar to many
of us, it is well understood in Hong Kong as a result of its use
by the Australian and Canadian
Considerable work has gone into devising one which would be as
fair and objective as possible, with the Governor's advisory
committee playing an important and impartial role.
Independant Commission Against Corruption, which will be
represented on that committee at the highest level, has already
been involved in designing the way that the points system will
operate, and will monitor the practical application of this as
of other aspects of the scheme.
The
Points would be awarded for seven criteria: age, experience,
qualifications, special circumstances, proficiency in English,
British links and community service. Age is important because
the scheme is intended to reflect Hong Kong's future need for
personnel and emigration is particularly high in the 30 to 40 age
range. Points for special circumstances would be a means of, for
example, recognising exceptional individual achievement or of
giving extra weight to occupations suffering higher emigration