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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is a separate travel
area with autonomy over its immigration policy. In accordance with the
Basic Law, the HKSAR Government applies immigration controls on entry
into, stay in and departure from the HKSAR by persons from foreign states
and regions. The Basic Law also sets out the mechanism regulating the
entry into the HKSAR of persons from other parts of China.
Apart from controlling the movement of people into
and out of the HKSAR, the Immigration Department provides a wide range
of 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.
To enhance these services, the Immigration Department is also in the process
of implementing a long-term information systems strategy through the application
of advanced technology. The policies aim on the one hand to keep at an
acceptable level population growth brought about by immigration and, on
the other hand, to facilitate the admission of persons, including those
of outstanding talent, professionals and investors who would bring substantial
benefits to help develop the economy. Immigration procedures for Hong
Kong residents, tourists and business people are streamlined wherever
possible, while efforts are also made to prevent the entry of undesirable
persons and the departure of persons wanted for criminal offences, detect
and prosecute immigration law offenders and remove illegal immigrants. |
