TNAG-0319-FCO40-355-Legislation-for-immigration-and-deportation-in-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 267

Vo.XXII No. 283

Thursday, October 14, 1971

HK STANDARD

40 Cents

WWatson's

ines and spirits

Law opens door for HK Chinese

CHINESE who have lived at any time in Hongkong for a continuous period of at least seven years are to have the right to enter and leave the Colony freely.

This right is given to a new category called "Chinese residents", under the amended Immigration Bill 1971 which was passed by the Legislative Council yesterday.

The Bill, which has been drastically changed to give people in Hongkong a greater sense of security, will come into operation on a date to be fixed by the new Governor.

The new law defines a Chinese resident as a person, wholly or partly of Chinese race, who has been ordinarily resident in Hongkong for a continuous period of seven years at any time.

Although such a person

will no longer be classified as an alien, he can still be deported by the Governor- in-Council,

grounds:

on

three

• On the recommendation

of the court after conviction

for a serious offence.

• In political security

cases.

a

On the advice of newly-established Deportation Tribunal which will comprise a Supreme Court or District Court Judge and two members of the public appointed by the Chief Justice.

Under the old law a Chinese resident was treated the same as an alien, but in practice has for years enjoyed the privilege of free entry and exit from the Colony.

According to Immigration Department figures, in the 18-month period ending on September 30, more than 734,000 re-entry permits and 67,673 Certificates of Identity were issued to Chinese residents.