POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION
Births and Deaths
333
The registration of births and deaths is compulsory. The General Register Office keeps all records of births and deaths. Birth registration services in the urban districts are provided by two main birth registries, one on Hong Kong Island and one in Kowloon. There are also six birth registries in the rural areas providing similar services in their respective districts. In the outlying areas and islands, births are normally registered at various rural committee offices by visiting district registrars. Deaths in the rural areas are registered at local police stations except in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung where deaths are registered in a death registry.
The statutory period during which a birth should be registered is 42 days from the date of birth. During the year, 73 030 live births and 27 376 deaths were registered, compared with 70 152 and 26 959 respectively in 1987. The figures, when adjusted for under-registration, gave a natural increase in population for 1988 of about 48 000.
A birth which has not been registered within one year may be post-registered with the consent of the Registrar of Births and Deaths and on payment of a $70 fee. During the year, 371 births were post-registered in this manner.
There are two death registries, one on Hong Kong Island and one in Kowloon. Apart from registration of deaths, they also issue cremation permits and provide services for the booking of cremation facilities.
Establishment and Recruitment
At year end, the department had an establishment of 3 242 disciplined staff, 439 more than in 1987. The number of civilian staff was 2 378. During the year, 290 assistanţ immigration officers and 271 immigration assistants were recruited.
Staff Training
The department provides training for both new and serving officers. Assistant immigration officer recruits undergo a 17-week induction course while immigration assistant recruits undergo an eight-week course. These courses cover law, immigration policies and pro- cedures, drill, physical training, swimming, first-aid and practical attachments. As part of the career development programme, in-service and specialised training is also provided either within the department or in outside organisations. Each year, a number of officers are selected for overseas attachment and training.
During the year, 474 recruits completed their induction training. A further 1 754 serving officers received various types of job-related and continuation training.
Page 390Page 391