Appointment of Director of Immigration (with photo)

     The Central People's Government, on the nomination and recommendation of the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, has approved the appointment of Mr Benson Kwok Joon-fung, formerly Deputy Director of Immigration, as Director of Immigration and the removal of Mr Au Ka-wang from the post of Director of Immigration with effect from today (September 19).  Mr Au proceeded on pre-retirement leave on the same day after serving the Immigration Department for 34 years.
      
     Commenting on the appointment of Mr Kwok, Mr Lee said, "Mr Kwok has served in the Immigration Department for 34 years and has extensive experience in departmental operations.  He possesses solid management and leadership skills.  I am confident that he will lead the Immigration Department to meet the challenges ahead."
      
     Speaking on the retirement of Mr Au, Mr Lee said, "Since taking up the appointment as Director of Immigration in July 2020, Mr Au has made admirable efforts in ensuring effective entry-exit control and smooth passenger clearance, leading the Immigration Department to become an immigration service that displays high efficiency and professionalism.  On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I convey my gratitude to Mr Au for his contribution to the HKSAR and wish him a happy retirement."
      
     The following are biographical notes on Mr Au Ka-wang and Mr Benson Kwok:
 
Mr Au Ka-wang
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     Mr Au joined the Immigration Department as an Assistant Immigration Officer in November 1988. He was promoted to Immigration Officer in 1992, to Senior Immigration Officer in 2003, to Chief Immigration Officer in 2009, to Assistant Principal Immigration Officer in 2014 and to Principal Immigration Officer in 2015.  He was promoted to Assistant Director of Immigration in 2018 and to Deputy Director of Immigration in 2019.  He took up the Director of Immigration post in July 2020.
      
     Mr Au was awarded the Hong Kong Immigration Service Long Service Medal in 2007, with the first, second and third clasps in 2014, 2019 and 2022 respectively; the Hong Kong Immigration Service Medal for Distinguished Service in 2020; and the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2023.
      
Mr Benson Kwok
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     Mr Kwok joined the Immigration Department as an Assistant Immigration Officer in September 1989. He was promoted to Immigration Officer in 1994, to Senior Immigration Officer in 2002, to Chief Immigration Officer in 2009, to Assistant Principal Immigration Officer in 2013 and to Principal Immigration Officer in 2016. He was promoted to Assistant Director of Immigration in 2020 and to Deputy Director of Immigration in 2022.
      
     Mr Kwok was awarded the Hong Kong Immigration Service Long Service Medal in 2008, with the first and second clasps in 2015 and 2020 respectively; and the Hong Kong Immigration Service Medal for Distinguished Service in 2023.