Immigration Department

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) remains a separate
travel area after reunification. The Basic Law provides that the
Government of the HKSAR may apply immigration controls on entry into,
stay in and departure from the Region by persons from foreign states and
regions. Entry into the HKSAR of persons from the mainland of China is
regulated in accordance with the previous practice.

The Immigration Department is tasked to exercise these functions. Apart
from controlling the movement of people into and out of the HKSAR, the
department provides services to local residents including the issue of
HKSAR passports and other travel documents, visas and identity cards,
the handling of nationality matters and the registration of births, deaths
and marriages. Considerable effort also goes into detecting and
prosecuting immigration law offenders, and removing illegal immigrants.

Policies are framed to limit to an acceptable level population growth
brought about by immigration, and to control the entry of foreign
workers. Immigration procedures for Hong Kong residents, tourists and
businessmen are streamlined. Effort is also made to prevent the entry of
undesirable persons and the departure of persons wanted for criminal
offences.

The department has implemented a long-term information systems
strategy through the application of advanced technology. Immigration
officers pay regular visits overseas to maintain close liaison with their
counterparts abroad.

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