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Mainland authorities and the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region today (November 24) announced that Mainland "overage children" of Macao residents can apply for One-Way Permit (OWP) from December 1 to go to Macao for settlement.
A spokesman for the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said, ¡°Notwithstanding that the situations for Hong Kong and Macao are different, the Central Government had also decided that the policy measure regarding Macao overage children applying for OWP, including the relevant eligibility criteria, will largely apply to Hong Kong.
The HKSAR Government thanked the Central Government for the decision. A number of Mainland overage children of Hong Kong residents will benefit from the new measure, which will facilitate family reunions."
The HKSAR Government and Mainland authorities are actively discussing the implementation arrangements pertinent to overage children applying for OWP. Details will be announced once confirmed.
"According to the Basic Law, Mainland residents who wish to come to Hong Kong must obtain permission from the Exit and Entry Administration Offices of the Public Security Bureau of the Mainland. Mainland residents who wish to enter Hong Kong for settlement must apply for an OWP in accordance with the established mechanism and relevant regulations. All people who enter Hong Kong illegally or overstay in Hong Kong after their entry commit an offence and they will be removed," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:56
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