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Following discussions with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the Central Government decided that starting from April 1, 2011, Mainland "overage children" of Hong Kong residents may apply for One Way Permits (OWPs) to come to Hong Kong for reunion with their natural parents.
"In accordance with the established procedures and rules of the Mainland authorities, Mainland residents coming to settle in Hong Kong must apply for OWPs. Before November 1, 2001, under the relevant rules, eligible Mainland children of Hong Kong residents aged below 14 may apply for OWP to come to Hong Kong. However, approval would not be granted to those who attained the age of 14 while awaiting approval by Mainland authorities. The term 'overage children' refers to these persons who turned 14 while awaiting approval, i.e. those below the age of 14 when their natural fathers or mothers, before November 1, 2001, obtained their Hong Kong identity card. Since November 1, 2001, the Mainland authorities have been considering the age of the applicants at the time they submit applications, and subsequent increase in age would not affect the outcome of the applications. Hence, there are no such 'overage children' since then", a government spokesman said.
The submission, processing and approval procedures of applications from "overage children" for settlement in Hong Kong largely follow those of other OWP applications. Starting from April 1, 2011, eligible applicants may submit applications for OWP in phases at the Exit and Entry Administration Offices of the Public Security Bureau, at the county (or above) level of their household registration. There is no deadline for the submission of applications. The first batch of applicants covers those whose natural parents obtained their first Hong Kong identity card on or before December 31, 1979. The Mainland authorities will promulgate separately the detailed arrangements. The HKSAR Government will verify the information of the applicants' father or mother residing in Hong Kong upon request.
"'Overage children' will not take up the OWP quota of the existing categories of Mainland applicants. The measure will not affect the OWP applications of these Mainland residents," the spokesman added.
The HKSAR Government expresses appreciation to the Central Government and relevant Mainland authorities for resolving the issue of Mainland "overage children" of Hong Kong residents.
Ends/Friday, January 14, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:22
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