Triumph and despair
THE WINNERS
Those who arrived in Hong Kong before the handover, and were born after at least one of their parents became a Hong Kong permanent resident. Estimated to be less than 100 beneficiaries.
Those who produced replies from the Legal Aid Department for legal aid between December 7, 1998, and January 29, 1999. Estimated to be 1,000 beneficiaries, some of whom have already received abode.
Those who received a letter from the security chief stating their case would be dealt with by the Immigration Department in the same way as two test cases. Numbers to be assessed.
THE LOSERS
Those who arrived before the handover but were born before at least one of their parents had become a Hong Kong permanent resident.
Those who arrived in Hong Kong between the handover and July 10, 1997, regardless of whether they were born before or after one of their parents became a permanent resident.
Those applicants who fought under 'legitimate expectation' of being dealt with in accordance with the January 1999 court ruling but relied only on general statements made by government officials.
