The immigration chief yesterday rejected a suggestion that an amnesty be extended to abode-seekers facing repatriation.
Speaking on an RTHK programme, Director of Immigration Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong said: 'We would not have any tranquillity if we try to patch up the quarrel by granting an amnesty.'
Deputy director of Beijing's Liaison Office Liu Shanzai said yesterday the mainland would co-operate if Hong Kong decided to implement any new repatriation policy for abode-seekers and his office would be willing to act as 'middleman'.
On Sunday, Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung Oi-sie said the Government would honour a promise not to send back mainlanders with court cases pending. Her comments followed a disclosure on Saturday by Secretary for Security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee that the Government would discuss the issue with the mainland.
The Immigration Department is to recommend to the Security Bureau that bravery medals be awarded to officers who performed outstandingly during the arson attack. It is understood senior immigration officer Leung Kam-kwong, who died last Friday, has been named already.
At least $7.57 million has been donated to victims of the attack and their families through the Sing Tao Foundation, which has appointed a trustee to monitor the fund.
