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The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Cheung, visited the Home Affairs Department (HAD) today (June 24) to learn more about the work of the department and to take the opportunity to meet its staff.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Cheung first met with the Director of Home Affairs, Miss Janice Tse, and the directorate staff. He was pleased to learn that the HAD is committed to enhancing communication between the Government and members of the public as well as facilitating the development of district administration.
Later, Mr Cheung visited the Secretariat of the Enhancing Self-Reliance Through District Partnership Programme and the Social Enterprises Promotion Unit. Launched in 2006, the programme provides seed grants of up to $3 million for eligible organisations to set up social enterprises aiming at creation of job opportunities, products or services for the socially disadvantaged so as to enhance their self-reliance and integration into the community. To date, over 180 social enterprises have been funded by the programme.
Mr Cheung then proceeded to the General Registry, the Liaison Officers' Office and the District Council Secretariat of the Wan Chai District Office (WCDO) to learn more about the community activities organised by WCDO and its liaison with the District Council. Under the HAD, there are nine district offices in the urban areas and nine in the New Territories to ensure that district problems are resolved promptly through inter-departmental consultation and co-operation. District Offices also serve as the links between District Councils and government departments.
When touring the Wan Chai Home Affairs Enquiry Centre, Mr Cheung learned that in addition to a general enquiry service, the centre also provides a free service of administering declarations or oaths.
During his visit, Mr Cheung met the staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on relevant departmental issues. He praised the efforts made by the staff members and encouraged them to continue to build on close ties with all sectors of the community and facilitate the administration of Hong Kong in line with changing circumstances.
Ends/Friday, June 24, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:52
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