A baby boy born at home two months ago to a Hong Kong couple has still not been issued a birth certificate because his parents have refused to submit a DNA test to the Immigration Department. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said on June 2 that the government is paying close attention to the case and relevant departments are actively following up. The Social Welfare Department successfully contacted the parents by email on June 1 and will actively seek a meeting with them to arrange a health check and assessment for the baby boy.
Sun said the Social Welfare Department had been trying to contact the baby's parents since May 28. Social workers made multiple home visits and left various contact details, but only succeeded in making contact on June 1.
Sun stressed that the authorities' primary concern is the health and safety of the child. If the family has any needs, appropriate support will be provided. He added that Hong Kong has comprehensive laws and mechanisms to handle child welfare, and the authorities will handle the case in full accordance with the principles of law, reason, and empathy.
Asked whether the parents had violated the law by failing to register the baby's birth within the statutory 42‑day period, Sun said the matter would be referred to the Immigration Department for follow‑up. On the parents' request for government assistance regarding their daughter, who remains in Sweden, Sun said the Immigration Department is following up through the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong and the Chinese Embassy in Sweden.
Related News:
Contractors liable for cigarette butts found at sites: Chris Sun
Comment