I refer to the letter headlined, 'Concerned' (South China Morning Post, July 31).
Under the current arrangements, Taiwan residents in overseas countries can apply for entry permits to visit Hong Kong. They may either submit their applications directly to the Immigration Department themselves, or through a sponsor in Hong Kong. Alternatively, they may submit their applications to the nearest Chinese consular or diplomatic missions.
If an application is submitted to a Chinese consular or diplomatic mission and the period of visit is not more than 48 hours, the consular or diplomatic mission may issue an entry permit to the applicant without reference to the Immigration Department. However, if the period of visit is more than 48 hours, the consular or diplomatic mission has to refer the application to the Immigration Department for processing.
The above arrangements are identical to those implemented before the reunification. There is no change in policy regarding visits by Taiwan residents.
P. Y. CHENG for Director of Immigration
