ENG-2002 — Page 510

POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION

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Kong for employment. The scheme is targeted at talented persons with expertise and skills not readily available in, and of value to, Hong Kong. The admission of such persons would enhance the competitiveness of the HKSAR as a manufacturing and services centre, particularly in technology-based, knowledge-intensive and high-valued added activities.

The persons admitted may bring in their dependants. They and their dependants may apply for right of abode after having resided in Hong Kong for seven years. Since the inception of the scheme, a total of 256 applications have been approved. Most of the successful applicants worked in the information technology/communication/ multimedia technology and engineering sectors.

Admission of Mainland Professionals Scheme

Professionals and talented persons play different but complementary roles that enhance the economic development of Hong Kong. Talented persons focus more on innovation and research whereas professionals help to attend to a firm's immediate requirements. The Admission of Mainland Professionals Scheme was introduced on June 1, 2001. The scheme is sector specific with the objective of attracting qualified Mainland professionals to work in Hong Kong in order to meet local manpower needs and enhance the HKSAR's competitiveness in the globalised market. A candidate for the scheme must be a qualified professional with skills or knowledge of value to Hong Kong but not readily available, or in short supply, locally. Initially, only those engaged in the information technology (IT) and financial services sectors are eligible to apply. To cope with the changing needs of the knowledge-based economy and local enterprises, the Government is reviewing the scheme to see if other sectors should be covered.

Since the inception of the scheme, a total of 268 applications have been approved 158 for persons engaged in IT and 110 for persons in the financial services sector.

Admission of Mainland Students Graduated from University Grants Committee (UGC)-Funded Institutions in Hong Kong

With effect from August 1, 2001, Mainland students who have graduated from UGC-funded institutions since 1990 have been allowed to enter Hong Kong for employment. They should also possess skills or knowledge of value to, but not readily available in, Hong Kong. The objective of this arrangement is to attract outstanding Mainland students who have completed full-time studies at bachelor or above level to re-enter Hong Kong for employment after graduation, so as to increase Hong Kong's competitiveness in the knowledge-based global economy. During the year, 97 Mainland students received approval to enter through this channel.

Illegal Immigration

The HKSAR is vigilant in guarding against the entry of Mainland illegal immigrants. The total daily average arrest figure region-wide for 2002 was 15, a 35 per cent drop compared with 23 in 2001.

The Government maintains close liaison with the Mainland and overseas governments on matters relating to population movements and irregular migration. Representatives from HKSAR law enforcement agencies participated in an 'Expert Group II on Law Enforcement, Policy and Legislation Planning Meeting' held in Bangkok, Thailand, in June and a 'Workshop on Law Enforcement and Travel

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