TNAG-2194-FCO40-3131-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 4

Age is

a chosen criterion because it is the aim of the scheme to retain in Hong Kong those who are in the "most productive" age band in the run up to 1997 and beyond. A maximum of 200 points may be awarded to those in the age band 30-40 in the year 1990 (who will become 40-50 in the year 2000). Points are deducted as the age of the applicant moves away from this band.

14

Experience is chosen because those with relevant experience in their occupation are able to make more valuable contribution to Hong Kong. Points scored under this head is capped at 150, so as to ensure that they do not overwhelm age points. For the businessmen, whose value to Hong Kong cannot be measured simply by years of experience, experience points are scored taking account also of their earnings from business or employment.

15

а

Education and Training is chosen because, in general, better-educated or more highly-trained person is better able

contribute to Hong Kong's economy and society.

Points may

to thus

be scored for general education, basic vocational, professional qualification and post-qualification training.

16

Special Circumstances points are designed to be used to adjust points scored under age, experience and education

above where:

(i) the circumstances specific to an occupation so merit (e.g. where the "most productive" age band for that Occupation is significantly different from that set out in para. 13 above);

(ii) within a broad occupational group, a particular occupation has an identifiably and substantially higher emigrateability rate than other occupations within that group; and

a

(iii) where particularly the outstanding achievement of an individual applicant so merits (e.g. for outstanding contribution to the economy in the case of businessman; or for outstanding publicly recognised society in the case of a person who has received commendation for particular acts of bravery in saving lives etc.)

The

contribution to

use of points under this head will require authorization from a high-powered Steering Group appointed by the Governor,

and would not be left to the discretion of individual vetting officers.