Indians and Indonesians to face new visa restrictions for Hong Kong: Legco to discuss proposal today
Immigration chief says people from major source countries of asylum seekers may have to seek approval before travelling to SAR
Indian and Indonesian nationals could face visa restrictions to Hong Kong, as the city’s immigration authority considers an entry registration for all visitors from the home countries of a growing number of asylum seekers to stem the flow of migrants.
Among the current backlog of 10,922 refugee applications in the territory, 80 per cent of the claimants are from India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Only Indian and Indonesian nationals can enter Hong Kong without an entry permit.
“All visa requirements could be subject to review. Having a visa-free arrangement for now does not mean you will have it tomorrow ...”
Immigration director Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who will retire in three months, said on Monday all visitors from major source countries of refugees might need to obtain prior approval from the authority before entering Hong Kong, in a move aimed at deterring economic migrants and preventing the asylum mechanism from further abuse.
“Maybe they will need to submit an application to us. We will review their backgrounds and decide if they are allowed to travel to Hong Kong. This could be the direction,” Chan said.
When asked if it would mean imposing a visa restriction and was directed at countries including India, Chan only said: “The concept is similar to visa restriction. All visa requirements could be subject to review. Having a visa-free arrangement for now does not mean you will have it tomorrow.”