A 30-year veteran of the Immigration Department, deputy director Simon Peh Yun-lu, was appointed to the department's top post by the State Council yesterday. Mr Peh will take over from Lai Tung-kwok, 56, who is retiring, starting from April 7.
Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, who nominated the new chief, said yesterday: 'Mr Peh has extensive knowledge and experience in the operations and management of the department. Over the years, Mr Peh has made great efforts in enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of the department. I am confident he will lead the department in meeting the challenges ahead.'
Mr Peh said at a press briefing yesterday that one of the challenges he would face was the increase in the number of people travelling into and out of Hong Kong as the economy improved. The Olympic equestrian events to be staged in August would also put more pressure on border control, he said.
Mr Peh, 52, has held a variety of posts in the department. He served as assistant director (visa and policies), assistant director (control) and assistant director (management and support) from August 2002. He became deputy director in September 2006.
The chief executive also praised the contribution of the outgoing immigration chief, saying he had turned the department into one of the most efficient services in the world.
