China: Information on "Returning to the Motherland Certificates" issued to former Chinese residents in Hong Kong
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 October 1992 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CHN12058 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, China: Information on "Returning to the Motherland Certificates" issued to former Chinese residents in Hong Kong, 1 October 1992, CHN12058, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aca348.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
During a telephone interview with the DIRB (28 Oct. 1992), a representative of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China explained that former residents of China in Hong Kong do not have a right to return permanently to the mainland since they do not possess Chinese nationality. However, if they wish to travel to China, he further clarified, they may make an application to the Chinese Visa Office in Hong Kong. A travel document will be issued when the applicant has satisfied the following requirements: shown proof of a Certificate of Identity and an exit visa issued in Hong Kong, shown proof of availability of housing, family, and adequate financial support in China.
The representative further stated that individuals in the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of movement. However, residents of Hong Kong are advised to leave before the expiration of their Certificates of Identity since they are not renewable. Certificates of Identity are valid for ten years.
The representative is not aware of the existence of "Returning to the Motherland Certificates." Additional and/or corroborating information is currently unavailable to the DIRB.
References
Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Ottawa. 28 October 1992. Telephone Interview with Representative.
