The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (September 29) that eligible fishermen, who are affected by marine works projects in the north-eastern waters of Hong Kong and with vessels not exceeding 15 metres in length, may make appointments to register for applications for ex-gratia allowance (EGA) from today. The endorsed homeports for this registration exercise are Kat O, Sai Lau Kong, Sha Tin, Sha Tau Kok, Sham Wan, Tap Mun, Kau Lau Wan, Yung Shue Au, Ap Chau and Yim Tin Tsai East/West.
An interdepartmental working group (IWG) on ex-gratia allowance for fishermen is responsible for processing the applications and disbursement of the EGA. Its members comprise representatives from the LandsD, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Marine Department, the Home Affairs Department and relevant works departments. The IWG held briefing sessions in mid-September to explain the eligibility criteria for registration, registration arrangements and other points to note to fishermen of the affected waters. Arrangements were also made for fishermen wishing to submit EGA applications to make registration appointments on the spot.
Eligible fishermen who were unable to attend the briefing sessions may provide the required information to the Secretariat of the IWG on or before October 20 via the following means for making registration appointments:
- by phone (no. 3524 7225 / 3524 7224);
- by fax to 3524 7128;
- by post (the postmark date will be taken as the submission date) to the Fishermen Claims Assessment Unit, Unit 711, 7/F, K. Wah Centre, 191 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong; or
- by email to eafca@landsd.gov.hk.
Fishermen making registration appointments are required to provide vessel owner's name, Hong Kong Identity Card number, contact telephone number, correspondence address and Certificate of Ownership number and homeport of the vessel.
Requests for registration appointments made after October 20 without reasonable explanation will not be considered.
Upon receiving the information required, the IWG will issue chits to applicants by post. Applicants are required to attend their appointments at the date, time and venue specified on their chits to complete the registration procedures for their EGA applications. Those who have made registration appointments but have not received any chits before November 17 or have other enquiries to make may contact the Secretariat of the IWG on 3524 7223 or 3524 7227 during office hours.
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