TNAG-1569-FCO40-2135-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 13

SPEAKING NOTE

SCR 9/2091/56

As the New China News Agency are aware, the Hong Kong

Government is planning a major programme of computerisation

at Immigration Control points. In connection with this, it

is proposed to phase out Hong Kong re-entry permits (REPS). In

their place, Hong Kong identity cards will be accepted at

the control points.

2. At present around 90% of Hong Kong residents travelling

to China and Macau hold REPS, (travel documents issued by

the Director of Immigration to ethnic Chinese permanent

residents of Hong Kong who neither possess nor are eligible

to have foreign travel documents, (i.e. other than British

passports). There are two types of REPS: multiple REPS valid

for 10 years and single REPS valid for 6 months.

3.

Computerisation will mean that the requirements of the

Hong Kong Immigration Department will in future be met by

travellers to China and Macau holding Hong Kong identity

cards only. As they have done since 1983, most identity

cards will continue to bear the symbol ***. This at present

indicates that the holder is eligible for a REP, and will

continue to indicate similar status. Approximately 10% of

REPS will need to be retained (see para 6 below).

COMPUTERISATION OF CONTROL POINTS

4.

The computerisation of control points will be introduced

in the following phases: -

A)

Macau Ferry Terminal

Sham Shui Po Terminal

B)

Hung Hom Terminal

Lowu New Terminal

May 1987

August 1987

/C)...