Chinanews.com, Hong Kong, December 31. The Immigration Department (Immigration Department) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government held the graduation parade for trainees and the 60th anniversary parade on the 30th.

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, attended the event and said in a speech that the Immigration Department has accompanied Hong Kong people through an extraordinary period of 60 years. During this long struggle, they have witnessed the rapid development of Hong Kong society and the vicissitudes of life. Ten years, the pursuit of excellence to create the future" vision.

  Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that the celebration on that day had a dual significance. In addition to being an important time for the completion of 45 immigration officers and 126 immigration assistants, it was also a big day celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Immigration Department. She would like to extend her heartfelt congratulations.

Carrie Lam took a group photo with the Director of Hong Kong Immigration Department Au Jiahong (seventh from left), the graduates who were awarded the "Best Student Shield" and other guests.

Photo courtesy of the Information Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government

  She said that when the Immigration Department was established in 1961, there were only more than 200 officers. Today, the Immigration Department has transformed into an important law enforcement team with a staff of more than 9,000, and its scope of work has become more diversified.

  Carrie Lam said that in the past 60 years, the Immigration Department has won high praise from Hong Kong citizens and even tourists, and has won numerous awards.

Looking back over the past two years or so, Hong Kong has faced unprecedented challenges and experienced various severe tests. The Immigration Department has been doing its utmost to fulfill its major responsibility of safeguarding national security and preventing and cracking down on activities that endanger the security of the country and the SAR in terms of immigration matters.

She is convinced that the Director of Immigration, as a member of the National Security Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, will continue to lead the department to cooperate with other relevant departments, strictly control in accordance with all applicable laws and current immigration policies, and fearlessly adhere to the country’s international orientation. The South Gate" escorts the long-term prosperity and stability of the country and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

  In addition, Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also thanked colleagues from the Immigration Department who have been fighting side by side with other SAR government departments and shouldering the heavy responsibility of fighting the epidemic, from assisting people stranded in outer Hong Kong, implementing "restricted area" closure operations, and dispatching personnel to the case tracking office to assist in tracking the diagnosis. Close contacts of the case and colleagues from the Immigration Department all actively participated.

The Immigration Department has also been playing an important role in the introduction of talents and the facilitation of immigration clearance, including providing convenience through different immigration schemes, attracting more professionals and entrepreneurs to reside and develop in Hong Kong, thereby enriching Hong Kong’s talent pool and enhancing Hong Kong’s international competitiveness.

The Immigration Department also uses innovation and technology applications to simplify immigration procedures, improve port clearance capabilities and convenience, and cooperate with the new cross-border infrastructure in the future to promote the interconnection between Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities, as well as to connect the world, and further consolidate Hong Kong as an international The status of finance, shipping, trade center and international aviation hub deserves full recognition for their contributions.

Carrie Lam (second from left) attended the graduation parade and the 60th anniversary parade of the Hong Kong Immigration Department trainees, and then visited the booth introducing the work of the Immigration Department.

Photo courtesy of the Information Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government

  Carrie Lam said that the traditional Chinese calendar takes 60 years as a "Jia Zi", which means circulation and endless flow.

The Immigration Department is an excellent disciplinary force. In the face of unprecedented social unrest, national security risks and the impact of the new crown epidemic, it remains unyielding, united, and courageous to serve the general public. Hong Kong citizens are proud of it.

  Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also sent a message to the graduates, encouraging them to stick to their original aspirations, keep their mission in mind, face difficulties, serve Hong Kong and serve the country with all their heart, and walk together with Hong Kong citizens to create the future.

(Finish)