XN000022-1973-06-20 — Page 35

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Wednesday, June 20, 1973

ISSUE OF IDENTITY CARDS

For those arriving in Hong Kong legally and with the right to

remain, identity cards are available after making a single application.

In reply to a question from the Hon. T.K. Ann, the Colonial Secretary

the Hon. Sir Hugh Norman-Walker, said nearly 174,000 people entered Hong

Kong legally during the past financial year.

For those applicants who entered Hong Kong illegally, the majority

also need to apply only once if they are, after investigation, allowed to stay.

The number of applicants in this category amounted to more than

13,000 in the 12 months ended on January 31.

In the case of a minority of illegal immigrants, Sir Hugh said

it could be a difficult and lengthy process to trace their background, often

because the initial information they provided was false,

"For this reason, during the same period there were 1,640 applications

from illegal immigrants who had already applied previously.

"The Government has in hand ways and means of reducing this figure

but I am by no means convinced that amendment of the Regulations is either

the right, the easiest or the quickest way."

Release Time: 9.30 p.m.