Immigration Department (Hong Kong)

The Immigration Department (zh-t|t=入境事務處, known as 人民入境事務處 before the 1997 handover) of the Hong Kong Government is responsible for immigration control of Hong Kong.

Apart from immigration control, the Department has a Registration of Persons division where Hong Kong residents go to register births, deaths and marriages and obtain identity cards.

In the 1990's the Department is the British passports issuing authority in Hong Kong until the end of British colonial rule. After that the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong for the Home Secretary takes up this role.

Since 1 July 1997, under the auspices of the Basic Law of Hong Kong and explanations on implementing the Nationality Law, both by PRC lawmakers, the Immigration Department issues the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport and other international travel documents on its own, and is in charge of administering the Nationality Law within its realms. This is a rare exception to the rule that issuing passports and administering nationality-related matters are usually under the purview of an authority of the central/national government of a state.

The Department is headquartered in the Immigration Tower in Wan Chai North.

Directors of the Immigration Department (Since July 1, 1997)

* Peh Yun Lu, IDSM (current - since 2008)
* Lai Tung Kwok, IDSM (2002 - 2008)
* Lee Siu Kwong, IDSM (1998 to 2002)
* Regina Ip Lau Suk Yee (July 1997 to 1998)

ee also

Hong Kong's Disciplined Services
*Hong Kong Police Force
*Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
*Hong Kong Fire Services Department
*Correctional Services Department
*Customs and Excise Department
*Government Flying Service
*Civil Aid Service
*Auxiliary Medical Services

External links

* [http://www.immd.gov.hk/ Official website]
* [http://www.info.gov.hk/govcht_e.htm Organisation chart of Hong Kong Government]
* [http://www.hkdsc.com/ Hong Kong Disciplined Services]