XN000022-1996-10-04 — Page 21

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Confidence in resolving transitional immigration issues

The following press release is embargoed until 2000 hours today (Friday). The full text of the Secretary for Security's speech, which will be faxed later, is also embargoed until that time.

The Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, today (Friday) expressed confidence in resolving the transitional immigration issues now under discussion with the Chinese side.

Discussions are continuing to clarify details concerning right of abode in the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), on the production and issue of the SAR passport and on how to take forward negotiations with third countries on visa-free access for SAR passport holders.

"I hope we will be able to reach agreement rapidly, so that we can then embark on the exercise to set out all the detailed arrangements in clear and legal terms, to give confidence to those whose position are affected," he said.

Addressing a meeting jointly hosted by five Lions Clubs in Zone VI of District 303 Lions Club International Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Lai spoke on the policy areas of the Security Branch which are of particular concern to the community.

Noting that there are a lot of misunderstandings and concerns about the very complicated issue of right of abode, Mr Lai said that discussions were continuing with the Chinese side to clarify various details.

While the general principles on right of abode in the HKSAR are set out in Article 24 of the Basic Law, he said that in addition, the Chinese side had set out their official thinking in more detail in published documents, namely the Resolution passed by the NPC Standing Committee on the application of the Chinese Nationality Law in the HKSAR (May 15, 1996) and the "Views on the applications of Article 24 of the Basic Law in the HKSAR" adopted by the Preparatory Committee (August 10, 1996).

Mr Lai said that for the bulk of Hong Kong's population (including BN(0) passport holders), who did not have a second nationality, their position was secure since, by agreement with China, they had been accorded a right of abode in Hong Kong by an amendment to the Immigration Ordinance in 1986/87, and they could continue to enjoy this right thereafter.