TNAG-2050-FCO40-2920-Visits-by-Lord-Caithness--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and--1990 — Page 68

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The

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The above brief description of work which is by no means exhaustive has spelt out the contributions of the Immigration Service in maintaining law and order and the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong in

of Hong Kong in the run-up to 1997. The effectiveness of immigration control depends heavily on the initiative and alertness of the Immigration staff. job itself is important and complex, sensitive and dangerous which has, in fact, expanded beyond the

expanded beyond the scope of immigration duties. As such Immigration service staff are always working under heavy stress, particularly in the wake of the changing of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the British Government the People's Republic of China.

to

Unfair treatment to the Immigration Service Staff :- Provision of departmental quarters

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The shortfall in the provision of departmental quarters for Immigration Officers is the greatest among other disciplined departments in Hong Kong. Over 80% of our demand for officer grade quarters cannot be met. In terms of unit, we have a shortfall of over 500 which greatly out number any of the other disciplined departments. I have to stress on the fact that provision of quarters are regarded by the staff as much more important than any other welfare benefits. I must reiterate that the degree of disparity in the provision of quarters among

all disciplined departments should substantially reduced if not completely redressed.

be

Unfair treatment to the Immigration Service Staff disparity

Pay

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over their

Before the pay review by a Standing Commission in 1979, three ranks in the officer grade of the Immigration Service enjoyed a lead of 1 to 3 pay points counterparts in the other disciplined services. Adopting a broadbanding approach, the Standing Commission placed the Immigration Service on equal footing with the other services. Since 1979, there have been tremendous developments within the Service resulting in the work performed by the Service becoming more diversified, complex and sensitive. However, despite the historical background and these developments, the Rennie Committee recommended in November 1988 in its final report lower levels of pay for the Immigration Service. explanation was

was given. This has generated grievances our staff and our morale has been adversely affected ever since.

No

among

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