Beijing bound: Director of Immigration Simon Peh (front row, second left) and the Mainland study programme delegates.

A 20-member Immigration Department delegation will join a nine-day Mainland study programme - the first of its kind to the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing - from tomorrow.

The officers will attend lectures on subjects including the contemporary international scene, China's diplomatic policy, diplomatic protection, exit and entry controls, negotiation skills, techniques in handling mass media and press releases.

Meeting them before their departure, Director of Immigration Simon Peh said the programme will help the officers broaden their horizons on foreign affairs and establish a firmer and closer working connection with Mainland counterparts.

The delegation will be headed by Assistant Principal Immigration Officer Tam Yun-keung and comprise a chief, six senior and 12 immigration officers. It will return on November 21.

The programme is co-ordinated by the Immigration Service Institute of Training & Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.