CHILDREN thought to be illegal immigrants will be allowed temporary schooling, while they wait for verification of resident status, the Government confirmed yesterday.

Many children born to mainland mothers say they were born in Hong Kong and should have the right of abode, but cannot produce the documents to prove it.

Principal Immigration Officer Mak Kwai-yun said, under the existing policy, these children were considered illegal immigrants and could not go to school.

He said after a review of existing policy, the Government had decided the children should not be deprived of the opportunity to receive education.