LAWYERS and politicians yesterday urged the SAR and mainland authorities urgently to join forces to prevent an uncontrolled influx of two-way permit overstayers.
Following the Immigration Department's decision yesterday to register more than 300 overstayers seeking to apply for permits on their own recognisance, executive councillor Tam Yiu-chung expressed concern over a possible rush of two-way permit holders from the mainland.
'The Immigration Department needs to carefully consider whether it will issue walkabout permits to these mainlanders,' Mr Tam said.
'We hope the Government will carefully consider this. The relevant authorities on the mainland should also take complementary steps so there will not be an influx of mainland people to the SAR.' Barrister and independent legislator Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee also urged that a scheme be set up as soon as possible to prevent an influx of two-way permit holders.
'I think it is very tempting, because the less clear the situation, the more people will want to come and try their luck,' Ms Ng said.
'On the face of it, there seems to be a strong case for these overstayers to be entitled to the special treatment. They have already come to Hong Kong.' Even with the present overstayers, it would be reasonable for the department to take a cautious attitude towards issuing walkabout permits, Ms Ng said.