Undocumented Siu Yau-wai's chance of returning to Hong Kong lies with mainland authorities

Siu Yau-wai was in Shenzhen last night without Hong Kong or mainland documentation, according to his grandmother.

The only identification document the 12-year-old holds is an expired two-way permit, which was used to bring him to Hong Kong nine years ago, Chow Siu-shuen, 67, said.

While the motives behind his voluntary deportation from Hong Kong remained unclear, his chances of returning hinge solely on mainland authorities' willingness to grant him approval to return and reside in the city.

In response to an inquiry from the Post about whether Yau-wai would be eligible to apply for Hong Kong residency, the Immigration Department reiterated yesterday that "for mainland residents who wish to come to Hong Kong for residence, they shall apply and seek approval from the relevant mainland authorities".

Mainland authorities had yet to make public any view on the boy's situation.

The Basic Law stipulates that people from other parts of China must apply for approval for entry to Hong Kong. Mainlanders wishing to enter must apply to the relevant authorities of their residential districts for approval, and must hold valid documents issued by the responsible authorities, a paper submitted to a Legislative Council security panel last year said.