LegCo Panel on the Public Service
Meeting on 28 October 1996
Update on Her Majestys Overseas Civil Service
Introduction
We last reported to Members the retirement of Her Majestys Overseas Civil Service (HMOCS) officers on 5 August 1996. This paper updates Members on the latest options exercised by HMOCS officers and provides information on the financial arrangements for compensation payments and details of the scheme.
Current Situation
2. There is currently a total of 540 HMOCS officers. Details of options exercised as at 12 October 1996 are contained in the Appendix. Of the 540 officers, 250 (46%) have opted to continue in service after 30 June 1997, 236 (44%) have opted to retire and the remaining 54 (10%) have yet to opt. Officers opting to retire must do so between 1 July 1996 and 30 June 1997.
3. Of the 236 officers who have opted to retire, 80 have already left. No succession problems have been encountered to date nor are any envisaged in the period up to 30 June 1997 as there is a pool of local officers capable of filling the vacancies.
Scheme details
4. The HMOCS arrangements applicable to Hong Kong are consistent with those of the 42 previous such schemes in former British dependent territories. The UK Government has obligation towards members of HMOCS. When as a result of constitutional change, HMOCS officers no longer come under the authority of the Secretary of State, they may retire under the provisions of a compensation scheme. Alternatively they may opt to continue in service with the successor government having been compensated for their loss of HMOCS status and prospects of a full career.
5. The HMOCS Compensation Schemes are provided for under UK Legislation. They have been submitted to the Governor-in-Council and have been accepted as approved compensation schemes for the purposes of Hong Kong pensions legislation.
Financial arrangements
6. The UK Government is meeting the full cost of the compensation payments to both retiring officers and those who opt to remain in service after the transfer of sovereignty. The amount of compensation paid depends on an officers age, seniority and length of service. The maximum sum payable is about GBP 140,000.
7. Hong Kong Government is responsible for the normal pension payments (i.e. commuted pension lump sum and monthly pension) for retired HMOCS officers in respect of their service with Hong Kong Government. Although a retired officer is eligible to receive his monthly pension payments immediately on retirement, he will not benefit from any annual pension increases until he reaches the age of 55.
Civil Service Branch
18 October 1996
Appendix
Options exercised by HMOCS Officers
as at at 14 October 1996
|
Administrative Officers
|
Judicial
Officers
|
Police
Officers
|
Other Grades
|
Total
|
|
Scheme A
(Staying)
|
27
|
26
|
114
|
83
|
250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scheme B
(Retiring)
|
35
|
7
|
151
|
43
|
236
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undeclared
|
6
|
5
|
20
|
23
|
54
|
| 68 | 38 | 285 | 149 | 540
|
Last Updated on 21 August 1998
