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Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, in the Legislative Council today (June 24):
Question:
On the 29th of last month, when a Member of this Council arrived at Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia intending to attend a seminar on the June 4 Incident and the Umbrella Movement, he was refused entry. In response to media enquiries, the Secretary for Security said that the Hong Kong Government respected and would not intervene with the immigration decisions on foreigners made by other countries and regions according to their laws. In this connection, will the Executive Authorities inform this Council:
(1) whether they have enquired with the Malaysian authorities about the reasons and legal basis for refusing entry of the aforesaid Member; if they have, of the details, if not, the reasons for that; and
(2) whether they will refuse entry of Malaysian officials to Hong Kong for conducting exchanges or attending seminars to show discontent over the Malaysian Government refusing entry of a Member of this Council?
Reply:
President,
The Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government attaches importance to the legal rights of Hong Kong residents outside Hong Kong, and will provide practical assistance as necessary. According to international practice, immigration authorities around the world will examine and process the entry of foreigners in accordance with their local laws and prevailing circumstances. Furthermore, according to international practice, immigration authorities around the world will not usually comment on the reason and decision of individual case in detail. The SAR Government respects the right of other jurisdictions in exercising immigration control and making decisions in accordance with their laws. We will not, and should not, interfere. The Immigration Department will deal with immigration matters concerning visitors from countries or regions all over the world in accordance with the law and established policies.
Ends/Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:01
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