XN000022-1995-06-20 — Page 17

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"Statistics revealed that with this information, most primary school place seekers successfully enrolled in the school of their choice in their first attempt and, in a short time.

"For those failing to secure a school place of their choice, district education officers will liaise with various school heads to secure school places for them as soon as possible," he continued.

The spokesman pointed out that Chinese immigrant children seeking for secondary school places may require a longer time as there are generally fewer vacancies available and the school authorities will need time to consider the applicants' age, standard and education background.

The spokesman said: "the Education Department has attached importance to the education service for Chinese immigrant children. Amendment to the Codes of Aid was made in 1994 to provide the Director of Education with clear authority to direct an aided school to admit a pupil referred to the school by him.

"Besides, school circular has been issued to all school heads advising them to render every possible assistance to Chinese immigrant children who approach them for placement."

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"In the case of applicants who have reached 15 years of age, information on schools and other educational facilities will be provided," the spokesman added.

End/Tuesday, June 20, 1995

Joint operation to flush out illegal immigrants

A territory-wide operation against illegal immigration jointly mounted by the Police, Immigration Department and Labour Department has resulted in the arrests of 88 people.

The operation is part of the Government's continuous effort to flush out illegal immigrants.

The 73 suspected illegal immigrants arrested by the Police have been referred to the Immigration Department. Those found to be illegal immigrants will be repatriated.