Hong Kong - Germany sign bilateral accord on illegal immigrants

The accord, the first of its kind between Hong Kong and a European Union country, obliges each nation to take back any of its passport holders expelled from the other.

It was signed on Friday by Hong Kong's Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan and the Germany's Interior Minister Otto Schily, who was visiting the former British colony.

Hong Kong hopes the move will bolster its bid to secure visa-free access to Europe for its passport holders - an issue which is currently under discussion by the E.U. In announcing the agreement, Chan said she hoped it would have a positive impact on the E.U.'s decision.

Opponents of the move believe it may open the door to illegal immigrants travelling via Hong Kong from mainland China. But Chan said, "A grant of visa-free access would strengthen economic relations, trade and tourism between Europe and Hong Kong. We trust Germany will support these efforts."

In response, Schily said Germany would support visa exemption for Hong Kong passport holders. He called the readmissions agreement an important requirement for the further liberalization of travelling.

"In order to make the (German) federal government's policies to integrate foreigners living lawfully in Germany a sustainable success, we must continue to take all measures to curb illegal immigration," Schily said.

(la/dpa)