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Subject to a recommendation being made by the Social Welfare Department, compassionate rehousing in either public housing or local temporary housing may also be offered on the basis of need.
The existing policy is fair and reasonable and the Government does not see any need for a review. Any change in policy in respect of one group, such as those affected by the demolition of rooftop structures, would be unfair and to the disadvantage of others, such as those in the queue for public housing units. Even the suggestion of a possibility of a policy change would encourage more illegal structures to be built and thereby increase the number of people living in risky conditions. We need to avoid giving encouragement to any action which would make the situation
worse.
End/Wednesday, February 15, 1995
PRC traveller transit arrangement works well
Following is a question by the Hon Howard Young and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday);
Question:
Regarding the policy of permitting residents of mainland China to stay in the territory visa-free for a period not exceeding seven days on their way to and from a third country, will the Administration inform this Council:
(a)
how many residents of mainland China on transit stay in the territory have been found overstaying since the introduction of this policy:
(b)
whether the Administration has reviewed this policy; if so, what is the outcome of the review; and
(c)
whether, in the light of operational experience, the Administration will consider ways of relaxing the policy, such as increasing the number of days for transit visits?