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Following is a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, to a question by the Hon Kam Nai-wai in the Legislative Council today (July 4):
Question:
Regarding the issue of Mainlanders crossing the boundary through the land boundary control points (BCPs) in Hong Kong, will the Government inform this Council of:
(a) the daily statistics on Mainlanders crossing the boundary through the land BCPs in Hong Kong in June and July in each of the past five years (set out in the Question Annex);
(b) the number of pregnant mainland women whose spouses are not permanent residents of Hong Kong (doubly non-permanent resident pregnant women) who have been intercepted by the Immigration Department at land BCPs for gate-crashing since the Chief Executive indicated in April this year that the quota of doubly non-permanent resident pregnant women to be admitted by private hospitals in 2013 would be zero; and
(c) the number of cross-boundary Mainlanders using the Automated Passenger Clearance System (e-Channel) since 2012 when the e-Channel service is available for use by enrolled mainland frequent visitors; the eligibility criteria for inbound mainland visitors to use the e-Channel service at present?
Reply:
President,
Regarding the issue of Mainlanders crossing the boundary through the land boundary control points ("BCPs") in Hong Kong, my reply is as follows:
(a) The passenger statistics for June and July in the past five years are set out in the Reply Annex. The Immigration Department (ImmD) does not have daily breakdown on passenger statistics.
(b) From mid-April to June 24, 2012, the ImmD intercepted some 14,000 Mainland pregnant women at the land BCPs. Secondary examination was conducted on 8,000 of them, among which 1,000 were refused permission to land as they failed to meet immigration requirements.
(c) Successfully enrolled Mainland visitors can enjoy the e-Channel service starting from January 3 this year. From January 3 to May 31, 3,015,404 usages have been recorded. At present, the enrolment criteria for Mainland visitors for the e-Channel service are (i) aged 18 or above; (ii) holder of a valid Exit-Entry Permit with valid one-year multiple exit endorsement (including endorsement for visiting relatives (Tanqin), individual visit (Geren Luyou) or business visit (Shangwu)); (iii) has visited Hong Kong three times or more within the last 12 months immediately before the date of enrolment; and (iv) has no adverse record in Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:34
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