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SCMP Reporter

A bill which would have imposed strict visa restrictions on foreigners was yesterday dropped by its sponsor, unionist Chan Yuen-han.

 The proposal would have removed the Director of Immigration's power to allow foreign nationals to work without a visa.

 The power has been used to allow imported labourers and Britons to work here.

 Ms Chan said she had withdrawn her private member's bill after an assurance from Secretary of Justice-designate Elsie Leung Oi-sie.

 Ms Leung promised the post-handover government would not use the power to import labour, said Ms Chan, of the Federation of Trade Unions.

 'The SAR government has given us its support and commitment. This is what I want to achieve.

 'Given the lack of time for in-depth scrutiny and for further discussion with the foreign chambers [of commerce], I can hardly dispel their worries,' she said in announcing the withdrawal.

 Providing there was enough discussion, she said, foreign businessmen would not have opposed her bill, which offered opportunities for fair competition.

 Under the bill, all foreign nationals would have needed a work visa and would have had to apply for re-entry permits for each departure and re-entry.

 One of the opponents of the bill, legislator James Tien Pei-chun, chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce, was happy to hear of Ms Chan's decision.

 'The removal of the Director of Immigration's discretion would result in annoying procedures imposed on entry,' he said.

 'Clearly, Ms Chan was unaware of the undesirable effects of the bill which has undermined the confidence of foreign chambers.

 'I support her devotion in priority employment for locals, but this has been achieved by the Government bill which abolishes British nationals' privilege to unrestricted employment here.'  Travel industry legislator Howard Young also welcomed Ms Chan's decision.

 'Her bill has raised concern about whether Hong Kong has ethnic discrimination. The withdrawal of the bill will dispel uncertainties.'  Ms Chan denied the bill was withdrawn in the face of objections from Beijing.

 Mr Tien said Lu Ping, Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, spoke against the bill at a meeting last week.



Unionist drops 'undesirable' work visa bill