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In response to media enquiries in relation to the refusal to allow visitors into Hong Kong ahead of the Beijing Olympics as mentioned in a Human Rights Watch report, a government spokesman said today (January 15):
"Hong Kong is a free and open society which subscribes to the rule of law. Hong Kong residents have their fundamental rights and freedom, including the freedom of speech and assembly, protected by the Basic Law.
"On the immigration front, Hong Kong welcomes genuine visitors from around the world. The Hong Kong Immigration Department adopts a liberal visa regime and handles all entry applications in accordance with the law and prevailing policy.
"Similar to other immigration authorities around the world, the Immigration Department has the responsibility to uphold effective immigration control and the power to refuse entry where necessary to ensure the public interest. In so doing, the department takes into account the law, the prevailing policy and relevant factors and circumstances pertaining to a case. Each entry application is determined on its individual merits."
Ends/Thursday, January 15, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:11
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