ENG-2008 — Page 484

408 Population and Immigration

to and not readily available in Hong Kong, or who are in a position to make substantial contributions to the economy, are welcome. Since the reunification of Hong Kong with China in 1997, over 230 000 non-local talents and professionals. have been admitted to Hong Kong via various admission arrangements to work in the city.

Employment of Non-Local Students

Since May 19, 2008, non-local students of full-time locally-accredited programmes at degree level or above have been allowed to take up summer jobs, study or curriculum-related internships and part-time on-campus jobs. Upon graduation, they may apply to stay for one year in Hong Kong to take up employment freely. Those who had previously obtained a degree or higher qualification in a full-time locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong may also apply to return to Hong Kong for employment as long as the job they have secured is at a level commonly taken up by degree-holders and is remunerated at market

rates.

Entry of Dependants

Overseas spouses, unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 and dependent parents aged 60 or above of Hong Kong permanent residents, or of those who are not subject to a limit of stay may apply to enter Hong Kong as dependants. People who are admitted under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme or the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, or admitted to take up professional employment or to study in full-time undergraduate or post-graduate programmes in local institutions with degree-awarding powers, may also sponsor their spouses and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to apply to enter Hong Kong as dependants.

Illegal Immigration

The HKSAR keeps a close watch on illegal immigration activities. About 2 370 Mainland illegal immigrants were arrested in 2008, 21 per cent less than in 2007. The number of Vietnamese illegal immigrants arrested was 653, or 3 per cent more than in 2007.

The Immigration Department maintains close liaison with the Mainland and overseas governments on matters relating to population movements and irregular migration. During the year, representatives from the Immigration Department participated in international and regional conferences and workshops held in Malaysia, Australia and Japan.

Emigration

The estimated number of emigrants from Hong Kong was 9 100 in 2008, most of whom went to the United States (3 700), Australia (2 500) and Canada (1 300).