There is a rumour among expatriates that one must be physically present in Hong Kong during the time of the handover. If not, even though we have lived and worked here for over seven years, they say we may be denied our work visa or may have to start all over again to get our present status of unconditional stay. However, according to the Immigration Department, it is not actually necessary to be here during that time. We have already made travel plans to go on holiday from June to August and would hate to cut it short unnecessarily, but I have heard that some businesses and international schools have warned their employees with foreign passports not to leave the colony until July. A clear directive about this difference in interpretation would be greatly appreciated as soon as possible. NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED
