Immigration Law in Hong Kong: An Interdisciplinary Study

Abstract

Immigration Law in Hong Kong: An Interdisciplinary Study could almost have been called "The Hong Kong Story". Hong Kong's history is inextricably linked to its immigration policy: half of the population is made up of migrants. As a city-state, its immigration policy has been shaped by its geographical limitations, its human resource demands as it transformed into an international commercial hub, and the turbulent history of modern China. Written by a team of authors with diverse backgrounds and views, Immigration Law in Hong Kong: An Interdisciplinary Study is the first book to provide a historical overview of our immigration policies, and then analyse current immigration laws and policies, having regard to the socio-political-economic dimensions involved.

Primarily, the book is an analysis of our modern immigration laws and policies. This includes discussion on the role of immigration control in Hong Kong, an analysis of the discretionary regime in Hong Kong, a debate on whether there should be an immigration tribunal, the difficult issue of who is a permanent resident, and the problems of one way permits. One chapter is dedicated to inconsistencies within the Immigration Ordinance. The book considers the impact of immigration laws and policies on family life. For lawyers, these unique insights will be extremely useful. Finally, the book examines immigration law and policy in the wider social context.

Compulsory reading for lawyers, academics and civil servants, this book will also be a fascinating read for anyone interested in Hong Kong.