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1. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information supplied in the Government’s report and the numerous initiatives taken by the Government to combat racism and discrimination in general and in the field of employment and occupation in particular. It particularly notes the Act establishing the Office of the Ombudsman Against Ethnic Discrimination (1999:131), the Anti-Discrimination Board (Instructions) Ordinance (1999:171) and the Ethnic Discrimination at Work (Prevention) Act (1999:130).

2. Despite some positive evolution, the Committee notes that non-European nationals experience problems in gaining access to the labour market: registered unemployment among non-European citizens was 24 per cent in 1999, compared with 32 per cent in 1998. As already indicated in its direct request in 2000 regarding the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee notes the stronger protection afforded by the new legislation, as well as the development of active measures to promote ethnic diversity, in order to assist migrant workers overcome discrimination. It requests the Government to supply further information on any results obtained in this respect.

3. Article 9. The Committee notes the information regarding the question of repatriation. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide more detailed information on the procedure of expulsion as well as the competence of, and the criteria applied by, the Migration Board and the Aliens Appeals Board.

4. Article 7. The Committee also would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether employers’ and workers’ organizations are consulted in identifying unlawful migration and the employment of migrants in abusive conditions, and the manner in which such consultation takes place.