TNAG-1729-FCO40-2442-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 254

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for visit permits.

The unexpectedly

ons,

large upsurge in these applications,

per cent

currently running at 150% above the

corresponding period in 1987, resulted

in a deterioration of service which the

Director of Immigration has taken steps

to restore.

Measures which have been taken include

the streamling of procedures and a

doubling of the staff from 39 to 81. An

additional 48 staff are being sought to

restore the service to its former level,

that is, to despatch permits within two

weeks of the receipt of application.

The costs will be covered by the revenue

from fees. Meanwhile permits are being

issued within three weeks for group

tours and within five weeks for

individuals.

The feasibility of computerising this

activity is now receiving urgent

attention.

Statistics of applications are attached.

at appendix.

A