Triumph and despair

THE WINNERS

Those who arrived in Hong Kong before the handover, and were born after at least one of their parents became a Hong Kong permanent resident. Estimated to be less than 100 beneficiaries.

Those who produced replies from the Legal Aid Department for legal aid between December 7, 1998, and January 29, 1999. Estimated to be 1,000 beneficiaries, some of whom have already received abode.

Those who received a letter from the security chief stating their case would be dealt with by the Immigration Department in the same way as two test cases. Numbers to be assessed.

THE LOSERS

Those who arrived before the handover but were born before at least one of their parents had become a Hong Kong permanent resident.