Plans to introduce immigration changes for Britons before the handover were thrown into chaos yesterday as legislators refused to meet an April 1 deadline.
The Government was unable to say whether it would proceed with the cut-off date beyond which British nationals will have to apply for work visas.
Legislators threw its timetable into jeopardy, by deferring for a week, their scrutiny of amendments withdrawing the 'right to land' status for Britons who have lived in Hong Kong for more than seven years.
Security Branch spokesman Mary Leung Lai Yim-ming said enacting the legislative amendments before the deadline was impossible.
British Chamber of Commerce executive director Christopher Hammerbeck said he was concerned about widening confusion over the issue.
Officials had planned to introduce the amendments and administrative changes removing Britons' visa-free privileges, which do not need Legislative Council approval, at the beginning of next month.
Ms Leung said it was unclear, in light of the delay, if the visa requirements would be introduced on April 1 as planned.
