I refer to the letter headlined, 'Upsetting sight' (South China Morning Post, February 3) about the presence of a woman with a young child begging on a footbridge in Admiralty.

Police are aware of the begging problem, especially those involving two-way permit holders, and have taken appropriate enforcement action. Indeed, the increasing number of mendicants found in the main streets of Hong Kong is a cause for concern. Not only do they cause a nuisance by begging for alms in busy areas, their presence also adversely affects Hong Kong's international image.

A recent survey indicated that many of the mendicants are two-way permit holders. Hence, new procedures to tackle this problem have been adopted by the police following consultation with the Immigration Department. Mendicants holding two-way permits will be arrested and, depending on the circumstances, will be repatriated by the Immigration Department or prosecuted in court.