- 1.
Government's position on the right of abode issue
In response to press enquiries about the Government's position on the Right of Abode issue, a Government spokesman said:
"The Government's position is perfectly clear.
"We have offered to prepare a White Bill and agree it with the Chief Executive's Office, provided that there was no attempt to legislate on this matter in the provisional legislature before July 1.
"Taking into account public views, we would then prepare a Blue Bill for consideration by the legislature of the day on or after July 1.
"As there is no statutory or administrative requirement for legislation to be in place before July 1, this is a practical and sensible way forward which would best serve the interests of the community. It would avoid the confusion and uncertainty arising from legal challenges which would result from the provisional legislature attempting to deal with the Right of Abode issue before July 1.
"The Chinese side has rejected our proposal. But the offer still stands. We urge the Chinese side to reconsider this generous compromise offer. We are prepared to go ahead with it the moment they agree to it.
"If the provisional legislature tries to begin a 'legislative' process before July 1, the resulting legislation could lead to chaos in the SAR courts on immigration matters, which are always the subject of a large amount of litigation. It is precisely because we envisage such a mess that we are determined not to contribute to such a flawed process.
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