TNAG-2667-FCO40-3864-Hong-Kong-Civil-Service-1993 — Page 32

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up the work of the JLG. This issue is negotiable. But there are things that have to be sorted out first. They are : 1. whether we want convergence, 2. whether promises are to be kept and whether past agreements are recognised or not. Then we can enter into discussions

on concrete matters.

Amendments co civil service regulations

Q:

A:

We would like to know whether matters such as amendments to the civil service regulations, the authority of issuing visas, and so on can be dealt with by the JLG in time?

These questions have been mentioned in the JD and the BL. There will not be any changes. What is done before 1997 will remain so after 1997. You may set your heart at ease on this point. As the arrangements will not be changed, it is not necessary to bring them up for discussion in the JLG. Discussion is necessary only when there is a need to make changes and amendments. It is clearly stipulated in the BL that laws currently in use in HK will continue to be effective so long as it does not contravene the BL. As these laws do not contravene the BL, the present arrangements can be followed. Of course, certain practice will need to be changed. One example is the question of locuing visas. At present, we need to take our passports to the British Embassy and get visas before we can go to HK. After 1997, HK will become the territory of the People's Republic of China and we of course do not need to use our passports when we go to HK. But mainland residents will still have to go through some procedures and they will still need to have (travelling) documents. The Immigration Department will still have the authority to handle (immigration) in accordance to procedures.

Reciprocal waiving of visas

Q:

A:

Will the workload of the Immigration Department decrease after 1997 and result in a staff-cut?

I think the workload and staff of the Immigration Department cannot be reduced after 1997. At present, when we apply a visa from the British Embassy, they need to consult the HK authorities. In the future, the Foreign Ministry will set up an office in HK to issue visas and it will need to consult the HK authorities. So the question of issuing visas will still be handled by the Immigration Department, but the visa issuing authority has to be replaced.

HK citizens travelling to other countries will have to get visas just as they do now. As regards the question of reciprocal waiving of visas, the JD and the BL has stated that the Chinese Government has to negotiate with other countries and sign agreements on behalf o£ the HK SAR Government. Of course, HK itself will have to hold talks