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Following is a question by the Hon Abraham Shek and a written reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council today (June 3):
Question:
In 2007, the Government established a Steering Committee on Population Policy, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, to identify the main social and economic challenges to Hong Kong having regard to the changes to the local population profile in the next 30 years, follow up on the areas that require further study, as well as develop strategies and practical measures for pursuing the objectives of Hong Kong's population policy. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the latest progress made by the Steering Committee on Population Policy in developing population strategies, and when it will put forward relevant new measures and policies as well as consult the public;
(b) as it has been reported that an academic pointed out that the number of people aged above 60 last year accounted for 17.2% of the population, and based on the current growth rate of the elderly population, the projected elderly population 20 years from now would double the current figure, whether the Government has conducted any study on the corresponding long-term retirement and welfare policies; if so, of the directions, strategies and details of such policies; if not, the reasons for that; and
(c) whether, in view of the ageing trend of the population, the Government will further enhance the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme so as to attract more young elites from the Mainland and overseas to settle in Hong Kong, as well as consider discussing with the relevant mainland authorities the relaxation of the quota for people from the Mainland to settle in Hong Kong; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Mr President,
(a) The objective of Hong Kong's population policy is to optimise our demographic structure by securing and nurturing a quality population which supports and sustains Hong Kong's development as a knowledge-based economy. To optimise our demographic structure, the Government has been vigorously following up on measures relating to the four priority areas as announced by the Chief Executive in his 2007 Policy Address, which includes raising the quality of our education to upgrade our human capital; developing Hong Kong as a regional education hub to encourage more outstanding students to study in Hong Kong and work here after graduation; attracting more talents to work and live in Hong Kong; and reforming our healthcare system. For example, we relaxed the eligibility criteria of the Employees Retraining Scheme in 2007 to better prepare the local workforce to meet the challenges brought about by economic restructuring. In 2008, we also relaxed some restrictions for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme as detailed in part (c) of the reply. We will continue to devote substantial resources in education to raise the quality of education. We will also spare no efforts in retraining the local workforce to ensure that our manpower resources can meet the changing demand of the society. In addition, we have completed the first stage public consultation on health care reform in early 2008 and are now formulating further proposals with a view to commencing the second stage consultation by end 2009.
At the same time, respective bureaux will review from time to time population policy related measures under their policy purview on the basis of the latest population projections, and will listen to the views of different stakeholders through various channels. The Steering Committee on Population Policy will continue to monitor and co-ordinate the implementation of population policy related measures by respective bureaux.
(b) The Government has all along been making efforts to improve the quality of life of our elderly population so as to provide them with a sense of security, belonging as well as worthiness.
On promoting "active ageing", the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Elderly Commission (EC) have in recent years jointly mobilised elders and volunteers to establish neighbourhood support networks through the Neighbourhood Active Ageing Project (NAAP). The NAAP enables elders to become a new driving force in the community and encourages them to lead an enriched life through cross-sectoral collaboration and inter-generational integration. We have also launched the Elder Academy Scheme to encourage lifelong learning among elders. To ensure the sustainable development of the Scheme, the Government will work with various stakeholders to co-sponsor and establish the Elder Academy Development Foundation. The Government is also co-ordinating the setting up of a dedicated portal for the elderly to provide one-stop information service on elderly services. Together with computer courses offered by the Elder Academies, the portal will help elders expand their social circle through the Internet.
Regarding long-term care services, we will continue to support the elderly in different ways with a view to facilitating them to age in the community. As for frail elders who cannot age at home and thus require residential care services, we will continue to allocate more resources to increase the supply of subsidised residential care places.
That said, in view of the ageing population, further increasing the supply of subsidised residential care places alone will not be sufficient to meet the ever-growing demand. The Government has been working with the EC on the long-term planning of elderly residential care services. The EC has embarked on a consultancy study to explore how to target the resources for subsidised residential care services at elders most in need. The study will also look into ways to promote the further development of quality private residential care services and encourage shared responsibilities among individuals, their families and the society in meeting the long-term care needs of the elderly. The study is expected to be completed within this year.
Separately, the Government is currently studying the sustainability of Hong Kong's three pillars of retirement protection, namely the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme and Social Security Allowance Scheme; the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme and voluntary private savings. We will consider the findings of the study and other pertinent factors before deciding on the future course of action.
(c) The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, launched in June 2006, was enhanced in January 2008. Key enhancements include lifting the age limit (people above 50 are now eligible); adjusting the marking scheme (so that younger people with less working experience may enter the selection pool); and streamlining the application procedure for extension of stay of successful applicants. Since the enhancements, an average of some 100 applications are received each month, representing an increase of 67%. The Government will continue to review the Scheme from time to time. Relevant departments including the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the Mainland and overseas will continue their publicity efforts with a view to attracting more Mainland and overseas talents to Hong Kong under the Scheme.
The implementation of the One Way Permit (OWP) Scheme, with its objective to facilitate family reunion, falls under the purview of the Central People's Government. The daily quota of OWP used to be 75 in 1982 and was increased to the current 150. Although we have no intention to propose to the Mainland authorities to consider increasing the OWP quota for the time being, we will review the operation of the OWP Scheme with the Mainland authorities from time to time in the light of the needs of the society.
Ends/Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:21
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