TNAG-2949-FCO40-4226-Hong-Kong-visa-policy-with-other-countries-1993 — Page 27

Democratic Determined

People's

Republic

of Korea

on

application

(normally up

to 7 days)

6-8 weeks

Referred to Hong Kong

Business visits only.

Japan

One month as Basic Visa-free period

Unreferred

Finland

One month as Basic Visa-free period

(2) Hong Kong visa policy for employment

Unreferred

Nationals of most countries or territories have to apply for visas to work in Hong Kong. Applications are assessed on an individual basis against the immigration rules. This means that Hong Kong's Immigration Department must be satisfied that applicants possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong; and that their presence in Hong Kong will not be in any way undesirable. Normally, it takes about six weeks to process such applications.

PRC nationals residing in China or overseas for 2 years need different application procedures, on each side (Chinese authorities and British visa posts). Nationals of Mongolia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are not considered for employment visas in genera!.

There is one thing the Tumen River Area Development Programno (TRADP) countries have to clarify, If they are really going to have their operating headquarters in Hong Kong, where will the employees/workers come from? Are they going to be recruited locally in Hong Kong or are they employed from their home countries? If it is the latter case, then our visa policy for their employment in (2) above should be considered.

We have no objection in principle to issuing visas to the above-mentioned countries' officials for short visits or conference attending provided that locating the (TRADP's) headquarters here does not monn a permanent/long term presence of North Korean officials in Hong Fond.

I hope the above information is comprehensive and useful.

Sonamy,

c.c. FCO, Hong Kong Department

(Attn: Mr John Woodrow)

(Tom Fong)

for Secretary for Security

TOTAL P.03