127th visa deal

Argentina has become the 127th country to grant visa-free access to Hong Kong passport holders, the government said yesterday.

Director of Immigration Lai Tung-kwok, on behalf of the Hong Kong government, yesterday signed an agreement on abolition of visa requirements with the Consul-General of the Argentine Republic Ricardo H Forrester.

"The agreement, which enters into force with immediate effect, provides visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders visiting Argentina for up to 90 days. Likewise, nationals of Argentina will enjoy 90 days' visa-free access to Hong Kong,'' a spokesman for the Immigration Department said.

HK$9m Fest tax

Overseas artists, having performed in the Harbour Fest, will pay an estimated HK$9 million (US$1.15 million) in tax to the Hong Kong government.

Financial Secretary Henry Tang said this yesterday in a written reply to a legislative councillor.

Wider EOC probe

The Legislative Council's Home Affairs Panel is to carry out a wider investigation of the controversy surrounding the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

It will examine the dismissal of Patrick Yu as director of operations, and the resignation of the EOC's former chairman, Michael Wong.

(HK Edition 01/15/2004 page1)