Kwok to stay as immigration chief until June 2027

Immigration chief Benson Kwok has had his term extended for more than a year, until the end of the current administration's term. The incumbent head, who will reach the retirement age of 57 on Thursday, would continue to serve in the role until the end of June 2027, according to the government. "The purpose of granting Director Kwok an extension of service is to facilitate a smooth transition of the senior management of the Immigration Department," a government spokesperson said on Wednesday. Kwok joined the department in 1989 as an assistant immigration officer, before rising through the ranks. He was promoted to the rank of assistant immigration director in 2020 and reached the role of deputy director in 2022. Kwok was named the Director of Immigration in 2023. During his tenure, Kwok had facilitated snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan in obtaining Hong Kong residency under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. Edited by Tony Sabine