LegCo to debate motion on combating "bogus refugees"
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The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (November 30) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on combating "bogus refugees".
The motion, moved by Mr Holden Chow, states: "That the problem of 'bogus refugees' has become increasingly serious in recent years; after arriving in Hong Kong by various means, quite a number of people have abused the unified screening mechanism for non-refoulement claims (unified screening mechanism) by lodging non-refoulement claims and employing every means to prolong the screening procedures; they stay in Hong Kong for the purpose of engaging in illegal employment and even serious criminal activities, etc., so as to make money; the abuse of the unified screening mechanism has aroused grave public concern, and exerted heavy pressure on Hong Kong's law and order, immigration control, judicial system, welfare, etc.; in this connection, this Council urges the Government to comprehensively review the unified screening mechanism, and actively consider adopting the approaches in overseas places to formulate measures to combat the arrival of 'bogus refugees' and prevent the abuse of the unified screening mechanism, including stepping up cooperation with neighbouring regions to intercept illegal immigrants, allocating additional resources to expedite the procedure for screening non-refoulement claims, setting a statutory time limit for lodging non-refoulement claims, imposing a cap on the publicly-funded legal assistance, and setting up holding centres to properly settle and manage non-refoulement claimants."
Mr Ho Kai-ming, Ms Claudia Mo, Ms Yung Hoi-yan, Mr Poon Siu-ping, Dr Priscilla Leung, Dr Fernando Cheung and Mr James To will move separate amendments to Mr Holden Chow's motion.
Mr Christopher Cheung will move a motion on formulating a comprehensive listing policy. The motion states: "That the Securities and Futures Commission and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK) are conducting a joint consultation on proposed enhancements to SEHK's decision-making and governance structure for listing regulation; proposals made in the consultation paper have aroused great controversies in the industry and there are views, among others, that the proposals, once implemented, will seriously disrupt the current listing process for companies and undermine the long-term development of the Hong Kong securities market; in this connection, this Council urges the Government to, after seriously listening to the views expressed by the industry on the consultation paper, prudently formulate a comprehensive listing policy and clarify the definition of suitability for listing, so as to ensure the healthy and orderly development of the Hong Kong securities market and, while protecting the interests of investors, actively promote financial innovation, in order to enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre and attract the investment of more Mainland and overseas capital in the Hong Kong securities market."
Mr James To will move an amendment to Mr Christopher Cheung's motion.
Ms Tanya Chan will move a proposed resolution under section 34(4) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending the Marine Parks (Designation) (Amendment) Order 2016 laid on the table of the Council on November 9, 2016 to the meeting of January 11, 2017.
On bills, the Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2016 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
Members will also resume the Second Reading debate on the Supplementary Appropriation (2015-2016) Bill. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will then go through the Committee stage and be read the third time.
In addition, the Department of Justice will make a request under section 7 of the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance (Cap 382) and Rule 90 of the Rules of Procedure for special leave of the Council to give evidence of Council proceedings.
During the meeting, Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo website (www.legco.gov.hk). Please note that the agenda is subject to change, and the latest information about the agenda could be found on the LegCo website.
Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. They may reserve seats by calling 3919 3399 during office hours. Members of the public can also watch or listen the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo website.
Ends/Monday, November 28, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:30
Issued at HKT 18:30
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