XN000022-1996-08-15 — Page 3

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Two countries resume acceptance of HKCI

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Two countries the United Arab Emirates and Hungary have resumed acceptance of the Hong Kong Certificate of Identity (HKCI) for visa purposes, the Government announces today (Thursday).

"With immediate effect, the HKCI is acceptable to the United Arab Emirates Government for visit visa purpose for up to 14 days," the spokesman said.

"As for Hungary, the Hungarian authorities will enter visas directly in HKCI with effect from next month (September) on a date yet to be determined.

"As an interim measure, Hungarian embassies will issue visas to holders of HKCI on separate 'Confirmations of Identity'."

The spokesman welcomed the measures taken by the governments of the two countries.

"The efforts made by the Hong Kong Government in securing the recognition of the HKCI by other countries reflect the great importance it attaches to the convenience of travel for Hong Kong residents which has an important bearing on the economy of Hong Kong.

"The measures are beneficial to the development of trade, business and tourism between Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates as well as Hungary," he said.

The spokesman stressed that the Government would continue to strive for a greater degree of travel convenience for holders of the British National (Overseas) and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports and HKCI.

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Acting Governor sees Highways Department's work

The acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, visited the Highways Department this (Thursday) afternoon to see for herself the work of the department.

She was greeted by the Director of Highways, Mr Leung Kwok-sun, and the Deputy Director of Highways, Mr Hsu Tse-lin.