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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the passing out parade of the Immigration Service Training School today (Wednesday):
Director, Commandant, Ladies and Gentlemen, Officers on Parade,
I am delighted to be the reviewing officer of today's passing out parade. Your smart turnout and fine bearing at the parade just now were very impressive.
The Hong Kong Immigration Service is a disciplinary force internationally renowned for its efficiency and high calibre. Its distinguished record of service has won the support and acclaim of various sectors of the community. Besides providing the public with efficient day-to-day services such as the issue of entry visas, travel documents, as well as registration of births, deaths and marriages, the Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining the social stability and internal security of Hong Kong. While exercising effective immigration control at our land, sea and air entry points, the Department works closely with the Police and the Labour Department in detecting illegal immigration and illegal employment. In recent years, the Department has also made remarkable achievements in the investigation of and the combat against the use of forged documents.
In 1997, apart from handling a huge amount of day-to-day work, the Department was heavily involved in the work connected with the return of Hong Kong to our motherland, including the issue of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports; the implementation of the provisions of Basic Law on the right of abode; the implementation of new arrangements for overseas issue of travel documents, visas and permits for entry into Hong Kong; and the handling of all matters relating to nationality on behalf of the Central People's Government. In the face of these historical missions, all members of the Immigration Service could pride themselves on the dedication and professionalism they displayed in the successful completion of all the important tasks they were charged with.
The Immigration Department is also a department with good vision and a zeal for constant betterment. Apart from the continued efforts in promoting the HKSAR passport to the governments of foreign countries and securing the grant of visa-free access to foreign countries for HKSAR passport holders, the Department is actively examining ways to facilitate the entry of visitors. The Department has also strived for further improvement in the efficiency and quality of services through policy and procedural reviews, and the use of advanced technology. Last year, the Department was granted the Ombudsman Award in recognition of its outstanding performance in improving the quality of services and promoting fairness in public administration.
I know that the passing out parade held today bears a special significance to the Immigration Department. Last year, the Department has completed the restructuring of the Immigration Officer grade and resumed the recruitment of Immigration Officers. I am convinced that the young people who have demonstrated vigour and vitality before me today will add new strength to the Department . After intensive and tough induction training, you would definitely help the Department in serving the community.
All of you on parade today have chosen a meaningful career for the well-being of our society. I hope that you all take pride in the service you are going to render. After leaving the training school, you will have direct contact with members of the public in different positions. It is important that you should carry out your duties with enthusiasm, devotion and patience. Whether the general public has a high regard for the Department depends very much on your performance. I am confident that you would follow the good examples of your predecessors and demonstrate your ability in maintaining the stability and prosperity of the HKSAR.
Finally, I wish you all good luck and success in your career. Thank you.
End/Wednesday, April 22, 1998
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