TNAG-0662-FCO40-811-Legislation-on-immigration-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 92

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on 17th May 1977

XCR(77)130 Copy No

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Immigration Ordinance

(Chapter 115)

VED IN 27 NO. 51

23 MAY 1977

~KK 341

IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO 2) REGULATIONS 1977

Miss Paraly

Cumulus Ast

Honourable Members will recall that on 9th March 1976, a major revision of Immigration Department fees as provided for in the Immi-` gration (Amendment) Regulations 1976, was approved in accordance with the recommendations in XCR (76)33.

2

to see

Standard fees for visas were not included in that revision because it was considered undesirable that Hong Kong should increase its fees unilaterally and thus upset the reciprocity which exists between Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and other countries. However, the point was made that should the United Kingdom later decide to revise visa fees, Hong Kong would also need to make a corresponding change.

3

The United Kingdom has on 7th February 1977 revised its visa fees from £2 to £4 for an ordinary visa and from 50p to £1.50 for a transit visa. It is therefore proposed that visa fees for Hong Kong should similarly be revised from $29 to $32 for an ordinary visa and from $7 to $12 for a transit visa, as provided for in the Immigration (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 1977 as annexed.

4

It is not considered that there is any major public relations issue in this change, as it affects only non-Hong Kong residents and is in line with the corresponding revision of UK visa fees. The Director of Immigration will arrange for suitable publicity and to inform overseas visa posts of this revision.

5

Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether, under section 59 of the Immigration Ordinance (Chapter 115), the Immigration (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 1977 should be made.

(The Director of Immigration (Mr J. M. ROWLANDS) will

attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).

On Jany lises

3rd May 1977

(CR 3/3231/66 III).

BHK$= ₤1

C.S. 84

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COUNCIL CHAMBER

Pa mo

Pam

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мои

Ms Mallett Mov

Dept to tel

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