A CHINESE official yesterday backed a proposal forcing emigrants to return to Hong Kong by July 1, 1997, to keep permanent residency.
He said the proposal, by the Preliminary Working Committee (PWC), would remain unaltered during the plenary session, which starts tomorrow.
But the official said the proposal was not necessarily final. The Chinese Government would continue to examine ways to deal with right-of-abode problem for Hong Kong returnees.
The Preparatory Committee, to be set up next year, would make a final decision.
The Chinese Government would be as lenient as possible, he said.
According to the PWC's social and security sub-group, emigrants who did not return by July 1, 1997, would have to reside in the territory for seven years to regain their status. They would also be barred from having Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports.
At a weekly briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Chen Jian said the Government would take into 'full consideration' the unique situation of Hong Kong.
