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PRC nationals in China are expected to adhere to their travel plans and not to make side trips to other places, including Macau, when transiting through Hong Kong. However, immigration officers have no power to stop any visitor or transittee from departing to a place other than their intended final destination. But if they return to Hong Kong from a side trip, they will have to explain to the satisfaction of the immigration officers that they indeed have reasons to deviate from their original travel plans.
Depending on individual case merits, they may be landed for a few days to complete their previous 7 days' stay. Further change of plans by using the same method (i.e., by leaving for Macau and return to Hong Kong again) will come under close scrutiny. On the other hand, if a transittee's case does not justify, he/she may be refused permission to land in Hong Kong.
At present, we have no plan to relax the visa-free arrangement to allow PRC nationals of China to transit through Hong Kong to Macau. Such a relaxation will invite abuses to bypass the existing schemes controlling PRC nationals visiting Hong Kong.
End
Implementation of 5-year plan for arts development
Following is a question by the Hon Elizabeth Wong and a reply by the acting Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mrs Rita Lau, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council whether it has any knowledge of the timing for the implementation of the 5-Year Plan for arts development drawn up by the Arts Development Council?
Reply:
Mr President,
The Hong Kong Arts Development Council's 5-Year Strategic Plan, which sets out the blueprint for the development of the arts in Hong Kong for the period from 1996/97 to 2000/01, was drawn up in December last year.