XN000022-1996-02-24+25 — Page 3

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Direct visa application extended

As from Monday (February 26), overseas applicants may apply for visit and transit visas to Hong Kong directly from the Immigration Department, it is announced today (Saturday).

Starting from October 1994, people from overseas can apply for visas to enter Hong Kong for employment, residence and study to the Hong Kong Immigration Department either directly by post or through a local sponsor, as an alternative to submitting applications through the British Visa Posts overseas.

This direct visa application machinery is now extended to cover visits and transits, as part of the department's plans to improve customer services. Visa application forms with guidance notes are obtainable from the department and the British Visa Posts.

"The new arrangement does not apply to applications from residents in China and Taiwan, the procedures for which will remain as at present," a spokesman of the department stressed.

For enquiries, members of the public may telephone 2824 6111 or use the faxline 2877 7711.

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