Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says although the Government is concerned about Mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong, it will not refuse entry to a visitor solely because they are pregnant.

Mr Lee today told lawmakers that last year's figures show fathers of over 50% of babies born in Hong Kong to Mainland mothers are Hong Kong residents.

"Even if these babies were not born in Hong Kong, they might still apply to come to Hong Kong under the One-way Permit Scheme."

Subject to the meeting of normal immigration requirements and there being no suspicion as to their intention of visiting Hong Kong, visitors with a valid travel document can enter.

Enforcement is a problem, he said, because even if the department refused entry to pregnant women, those who intended to give birth in Hong Kong could simply come at an earlier stage of pregnancy and overstay for the birth.

However, the Government will monitor the issue.