July 12, 1989|By Journal of Commerce.
HONG KONG — Police were called to maintain order Tuesday after thousands of anxious local residents besieged the Singapore government`s equivalent of an embassy to take advantage of Singapore`s newly liberalized immigration laws.
There was so much pandemonium that the Singapore Commission, the de facto embassy, was forced to stop distributing leaflets and forms within two hours of its opening. Applications will be dealt with by mail from now on, officials said.
``The response has been overwhelming, with massive crowds,`` said Michael Lim of SMC (HK) Ltd., a Singapore government-backed company that handles recruitment. ``In the interest of public safety, we have decided to close the (distribution) booth and ask people to apply by post.``
Singapore announced Monday it was substantially easing the requirements for immigration by an initial 25,000 Hong Kong residents and their families.
Many in Hong Kong are seeking new homes abroad before China takes control of the island`s government from Britain in 1997. China`s suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in that nation has fueled the desire to leave.
Lines began forming outside the commission at 6 a.m., eventually snaking more than a quarter-mile along the streets. Lim estimated 15,000 forms were distributed in the short time the booth was open.
While many emigres have gone to Canada, Australia and the United States, Singapore is an attractive destination. The tiny city-state is also predominantly Chinese and is only 1,500 miles away.
Adding to the allure is the Singapore government`s offer to allow interested people to register for immigration, but take as long as five years to actually move.
This provides just the kind of insurance policy people here are demanding, without success, from Britain: a safe haven if things go badly after 1997.
Most residents say they want to remain in Hong Kong, where they have roots and jobs, and will do so if they know they are assured they will be able to get out in case of catastrophe.
