Tam Yiu-chung says expectant mainland mothers should stay at home in wake of court ruling

Pregnant mainland women should be barred from Hong Kong, an Executive Councillor said yesterday. Tam Yiu-chung's call followed Thursday's court ruling that children born here to mainland parents are entitled to right of abode.

Mr Tam urged the mainland and SAR governments to tighten controls to avoid mainland women giving birth while visiting the territory. He denied the arrangement would be discriminatory. 'I think it is reasonable to ask them only to come to Hong Kong after they have given birth,' he said. 'Besides, travelling might not be good for their health.' Mr Tam hoped the court case would not encourage mainland woman to stay in the SAR to give birth after their two-way permits expired.

Thursday's Court of Appeal ruling awarded right of abode to two-year-old Chong Fung-yuen, who was born in Hong Kong while his parents were visiting from the mainland.

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung Oi-sie yesterday said the Government was studying the judgment to decide whether to appeal. She said the Security Bureau would improve border checks to stop pregnant women sneaking into the SAR.

Veteran adviser to Beijing Dr Raymond Wu Wai-yung refused to comment specifically on the case, but said judges should consider the social impact of a ruling. 'Courts should not be as rigid as an ironing board. Who will bear the responsibility if a pregnant woman dies while risking her life to sneak into Hong Kong?'

Guangdong's Exit and Entry Administration Office said it needed time to study the ruling and could work with SAR officials to tackle a possible influx of pregnant women. An SAR Security Bureau said it would liaise with mainland authorities on further action if necessary.