Chris Tang dismisses suggestion of granting permanent residency to mainland officials

Security minister Chris Tang Ping-keung has dismissed the suggestion of granting permanent residency to Chinese officials who have been fielded to Hong Kong for more than seven years, saying it is a “matter within the purview of the Central Authorities.” 

The suggestion was first raised by lawmaker Paul Tse Wai-chun, who also asked if the SAR government has plans to allow mainland-based “Hong Kong gurus” to bring along their spouses and children to settle in the city, referring to the modeling of the Top Talent Pass Scheme. 

Tse further backed his argument that the Central Government allows public servants to choose to apply for household registration in the area where they work on a long-term basis and to bring along their spouses and children to live in that area. 

Yet, Tang said in his written reply to the Legislative Council on Wednesday that officials deployed by the Central Government to work in Hong Kong must enter the SAR on the strength of the Exit-entry Permit for Traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macau for Official Purposes. 

The permit must also state that: “Holder of this document is a public official of the State directed to work in Hong Kong or Macau.” 

Tang also cited the Immigration Ordinance saying that the permit is a travel document prescribed by the Central Government and a person shall not be treated as an ordinarily resident in Hong Kong during the period in which he or she remains as a holder of a prescribed travel document. 

“The above provision originates from the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2001 proposed by the SAR government in 2001,” Tang added. 

“At that time, the SAR government stated that, like members of the Hong Kong Garrison, mainland officials are posted to Hong Kong in their official capacity. 

“According to the Central Government’s policy, these officials are required to return to the mainland upon expiry of their working assignment in Hong Kong,” the security chief noted.