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In response to the Bauhinia Foundation Research Centre's study report, "The Past and Future of the One Way Permit (OWP) Scheme in the Context of a Population Policy for Hong Kong", released today (September 12), a Government spokesman said:
"The Government takes note of the study report released by the Bauhinia Foundation, a private think-tank. We wish to point out that the setting up and operation of the OWP scheme falls under the purview of the Central Government. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region considers the current arrangements under the OWP scheme appropriate. We have no intention to propose to the Mainland authorities to consider introducing major changes in the scheme (e.g. allowing the entry for settlement of Mainland parents who have children born in Hong Kong). However, we will from time to time exchange views with the Mainland authorities on the relevant arrangements."
According to Article 22(4) of the Basic Law, people from other parts of China who wish to enter Hong Kong must apply for approval. The OWP scheme is devised by the Mainland authorities to regulate the orderly entry of Mainland residents for settlement in Hong Kong and to facilitate family reunion.
"The Government acknowledges the need to optimise our demographic structure. We strive to raise the quality of our education to enhance our human capital, introduce retraining measures to upgrade the skills of our local labour force, and attract more outstanding non-local students to study and stay for employment in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, we continue to relax and streamline the application procedures for the entry of talent with a view to attracting more talented people to Hong Kong. Since the reunification, over 230,000 overseas and Mainland talent have been admitted for working in Hong Kong through various schemes. The Government will continue to monitor any developments that may have major implications on our population growth and demographic changes, and formulate appropriate policies and measures where circumstances warrant," the spokesman added.
Ends/Friday, September 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:24
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