ENG-1971 — Page 209

IMMIGRATION AND TOURISM

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Accentuating previously noted trends, the demand for travel documents increased dramatically. The issue of British passports reached a record 28,018, an increase of 55.5 per cent over 1970. This was partly due to a more simplified application procedure. Issues of travel documents to stateless people and people of undeter- mined nationality also set new records. Applications for naturalisa- tion totalled 1,122, an increase of 7.5 per cent. Most applicants were influenced by the improved travel facilities which British nationality gives.

The Immigration Department continued to act as the agent in immigration and passport matters on behalf of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries not otherwise represented in Hong Kong. The United Kingdom's_Commonwealth immigration control legislation, particularly that relating to appeals, placed a heavy burden on the department. Applications for entry to Britain increased considerably, mainly as a result of the enactment of the new Immigration Act in October which will put a tighter curb on emigration to the country when it is brought into force.

Following a survey of the department in 1970, a number of proposals on staffing were approved and implemented. These in- cluded the creation of an additional post of Assistant Director; expansion of the Chinese, Investigation and Training sections; the setting up of a ship-searching team in the Harbour section; and additional staff for the Airport section.

The Immigration Bill 1971, designed to consolidate and replace the existing legislation on immigration control and deportation, received the Governor's assent on October 14. It is expected to come into force in early 1972 and preparations for its implementation were well in hand at the end of the year.

TOURISM

The effects of the recession in the United States economy com- pounded by worldwide currency uncertainty has this year tested the resilience of Hong Kong's tourist industry, and has brought some changes in the pattern of tourism in the Colony.

The total number of visitors for the year was 907,295. This was 2.2 per cent less than the exceptional year of Expo '70 and was expected. Using 1969 as a more reasonable base, the figures showed an increase of 18.6 per cent. The Hong Kong Tourist Association estimated that the total visitor expenditure, including service visitors, amounted to a minimum of $1,765 million.