HONG KONG: Concern groups are pleading with the SAR government to address cross-border problems for families whose lives are divided between the mainland and the city.

That includes shortening the waiting time for the issuance of One Way Permits (OWP) to spouses who are separated. The measure would open a fresh channel for mainland parents of Hong Kong residents under the OWP scheme.

However, the government is not hurrying to approve the proposals. Many legislators believe relaxing rules under the OWP scheme for mainland parents might create social pressures for Hong Kong.

"We need to give more thought to some immediate issues if we were to open a channel for mainland parents under the OWP scheme," said Alan Lo, principal assistant secretary for security.

The administration worried that relaxing the rules could induce more mainland women to come to Hong Kong to deliver babies, even by illegal means.

Concerns also were raised about whether there would be any effects on waiting time for other eligible OWP applicants. "This suggestion may have profound long-term effects on many fronts on the society," he said.

According to the Security Bureau, about 25,000 babies, born to parents who are mainland residents, became Hong Kong permanent residents by being born here. There has been an upward trend in mothers from the mainland making their way here commencing in the first half of this year.

Lo also confirmed rules pertaining to family visits by people from the mainland will be eased by the end of December. Mainland residents who have underage children with Hong Kong spouses will qualify for a one-year multiple-entry permit under the eased rules. Mainland couples who have a child living in Hong Kong also are eligible. Others under "special difficult circumstances" also will be able to apply for the new exit endorsement. Specifics of the plan are not yet revealed.

Lo said he believed the new policy could "provide greater convenience to mainland residents to visit relatives in Hong Kong and reduce their economic and mental stress".

However, one association lobbying for better access for mainlanders said the one-year multiple-entry visit policy brings only slight progress. The group argued that improving the OWP scheme is the only way to solve the reunion problem of mainland-Hong Kong families over the long term.

A member of the mainland-Hong Kong Families Rights Association commented that the phrase "special difficult circumstances" was not defined. She expressed concern as to whether single mothers or unsupported parents could actually benefit from the policy. Single mothers who have lost their Hong Kong husbands and are no longer qualified to apply under OWP are facing more difficulties trying to take care of their Hong Kong-born children, the member said.

In respect to the OWP waiting time for separated spouses, the Security Bureau commented on a marked improvement in waiting time since the mainland authorities relaxed the relevant "eligibility points" beginning in January 2009. "The waiting time for separated spouses has been significantly shortened from five years to four years," said Alan Lo.

(HK Edition 11/06/2009 page1)