Press Release: European Commission and Hong Kong SAR sign re-admission agreement

An agreement between the European Community and the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation was signed on 27 November 2002 in Brussels. This agreement is the first-ever readmission agreement signed between the European Community and a third country or territory. It will enable Hong Kong and the EC to ensure, on a reciprocal basis, the rapid and effective identification and return of persons illegally entering or remaining in their respective territories