The Immigration Department has received about 150 requests for assistance from single Mainland mothers who cannot apply for one-way permits, involving about 180 children in Hong Kong, Secretary for Security TK Lai says.
Mr Lai told lawmakers today the Government is concerned about the requests from these mothers who married Hong Kong residents but are now widowed or divorced and are no longer eligible to apply for one-way permits to come to Hong Kong to take care of their children.
The department will convey the cases to the Mainland Exit & Entry Administration Offices to exercise discretion in processing their applications for entry into Hong Kong.
Of the 150 cases, over 80 have been issued with one-way permits by Mainland authorities for settling in Hong Kong on a discretionary basis on account of their individual circumstances.
Among the remaining 70 or so cases, over half of them were issued with a one-year multiple exit endorsement for visiting relatives, to help them look after their children.
Mr Lai said although the Director of Immigration could consider exercising discretion to allow certain people to stay in Hong Kong, such consideration must take into account Hong Kong's overall interest.
He added that exceptions to the established immigration policies must be handled carefully. The Director of Immigration must consider such factors as to whether the case is supported by unique and strong humanitarian or compassionate grounds.
