XN000022-1995-03-01 — Page 52

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Two-way permit holders working in HK

Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau Wai- hing and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In view of the complaints about the serious situation of visitors on Two-way Permits from mainland China who are found working during their period of stay in the territory, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

whether Chinese visitors holding Two-way Permits are allowed to work in the territory; and

if the answer to (a) is in the negative, whether any such visitors were caught by the Government for breaching the relevant provisions last year; if so, what the number was and what was the proportion of those caught to the total number of Two-way Permit holders visiting the territory; and whether these offenders will be prosecuted and prohibited from visiting the territory again within a certain period of time?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

Chinese visitors on Two-way Permits are not permitted to work in Hong Kong.

Last year, some 27,250 or 5% of the total number of Two-way Permit holders had overstayed, and 1,730 (or 0.3% of the total) were arrested for engaging in unauthorised work. A total of 6,720 Two-way Permit visitors were also prosecuted for overstaying. Of those arrested for taking up unauthorised employment, 1,684 were also prosecuted. Blatant offenders will be scrutinised on their future visits and may be refused entry.

End/Wednesday, March 1, 1995