Appointment of Director of Immigration (with photos)
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     The State Council has, on the nomination and recommendation made by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr C Y Leung, approved the appointment of Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, the Deputy Director of Immigration, as the Director of Immigration and the removal of Mr Chan Kwok-ki from the Principal Official post.  Mr Tsang took up the new appointment today (April 5) when Mr Chan proceeded on pre-retirement leave after serving for 33 years.  

     Commenting on the appointment of Mr Erick Tsang, the Chief Executive said, "Mr Tsang has accumulated nearly 29 years of experience and possesses extensive knowledge, making great strides in enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of the Immigration Department.  I am confident that he will rise up to the challenges ahead."

     Speaking of Mr Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Executive said, "Since taking up the post as Director of Immigration in March 2011, Mr Chan has made admirable efforts in ensuring effective entry-exit control and smooth passenger clearance, leading the Immigration Department to become a benchmark for its contemporaries around the globe.  We wish Mr Chan a happy and fulfilling retirement.กจ

     The following are brief biographical notes on Mr Chan Kwok-ki and Mr Erick Tsang:

Mr Chan Kwok-ki
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     Mr Chan Kwok-ki, aged 57, joined the Immigration Department in October 1982 as an Assistant Immigration Officer and was promoted to Immigration Officer in 1989, to Senior Immigration Officer in 1995, to Chief Immigration Officer in 2000, to Assistant Principal Immigration Officer in 2003 and to Principal Immigration Officer in 2004.  He became Assistant Director of Immigration in 2007 and Deputy Director of Immigration in 2010 before being appointed as the Director of Immigration in March 2011.

     Mr Chan was awarded the Hong Kong Immigration Service Long Service Medal in 2001 with first clasp in 2008, with second clasp in 2013, and received the Hong Kong Immigration Service Medal for Distinguished Service in 2009.  

Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai
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     Mr Tsang, aged 52, joined the Immigration Department as an Assistant Immigration Officer in April 1987.  He was promoted to Immigration Officer in 1991, to Senior Immigration Officer in 2000, to Chief Immigration Officer in 2004, to Assistant Principal Immigration Officer in 2007 and to Principal Immigration Officer in 2009.  He became Assistant Director of Immigration in 2012 and Deputy Director of Immigration in 2014.

     Mr Tsang was awarded the Secretary for the Civil Service's Commendation in 2004, the Hong Kong Immigration Service Long Service Medal in 2005 with first clasp in 2012, the Director of Immigration's Commendation in 2011 and the Hong Kong Immigration Service Medal for Distinguished Service in 2015.

Ends/Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Issued at HKT 08:46

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