TNAG-0910-FCO40-1120-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 14

PAJ 24.12.

CONFIDENTIAL G

Ref. IMM/CR 1322

Mr W J Dixon

HM Consul

British High Commission 186 Jalan Ampang KL Malaysia

in Jamieson

Entervi

fo mi

Immigration Department International Building,

派

141 Des Voeux Road Centrai Hong Kong

May like to see 13 November 1979

HKK 3452

RECEIVED IN REGETLY NO.

to Ar cliff, spec

بارات

ر کرنا میں تیری مادرم

“DESK DENİLİRA GI ZEGISTRY

Action Takan

INDEX

PA

RES

in. f. Ref GVV 341/393/+

Transit Visas for Taiwanese

이미경 MIGRATION

AND VISA DEPARTMENT

We corresponded earlier in the year about the significant increase in visitors to Hong Kong from Taiwan which came about as a result of the relaxation of Taiwanese restrictions on overseas travellers. The partial reimposition of these restrictions has resulted in a decline in the number of applications for visit permits to come to Hong Kong and a transfer of some of this work to you in the form of applications for transit visas. We have been informed by the tourist industry here that Hong Kong is the main destination for travellers from Taiwan and that in many cases the visit to other South East Asian countries is simply to facilitate obtaining a transit visa which will enable them to make a short stop-over here. We have also been informed that the Taiwanese authorities intend to relax their restrictions again which would result in a further increase in overseas travel, particularly to Hong Kong. The post hardest hit has been Bangkok where over 20,000 visas have been issued. Unfortunately the issue of transit visas does leave a hole in our control net because of the information on individuals and organisations held here and used when vetting such applications, which it would not be practicable to distribute throughout the area. In view of this and to relieve Bangkok's heavy burden it has been decided that as from 1 January 1980 Bangkok will refer all applications for Hong Kong transit visas by Taiwanese not resident in Thailand. The Consul does however have discretion to issue a visa where he considers there are factors of strong benefit to HMG's or the Hong Kong Government interest.

The Consul in Bangkok will be advising the travel industry there of these new arrangements and we have done so here. We have also advised that such applications will be dealt with inside our normal schedule and will take about one month from the date of receipt to finalise. Clearly the travel agents will seek ways round the situation and you may well experience a sudden increase in applications at your office. You might wish therefore to consider whether you should also refer to us appli- cations made to you by Taiwanese normally resident in Taiwan. enclosing for your information copies of the telegrams between Migration and Visa Department, Bangkok and ourselves, and I shall be grateful if · you will let me know how you wish to proceed,

B.

I am

P Sleightholme

for Director of Immigration

GF 323

Encls.

cc Migration and Visa Dept., FCO

∞ IMM/CR 803

w/o end.

"CONFIDENTIAL