Immigration accolades: Director of Immigration Lai Tung-Kwok presents the Long Service Medal Third Clasp to Deputy Director Chow Kwok-chuen.

Some 150 disciplined and civilian Immigration Department staff have been awarded for their excellent work.

They received Long Service Medals and Clasps, plus Director's and Assistant Directors' Commendation Certificates. Some also received Certificates of Appreciation for their sterling contributions to combating SARS.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony today, Director of Immigration Lai Tung-kwok hailed the recipients.

Ninety-six received long service accolades, and Deputy Director Chow Kwok-chuen was awarded the third clasp for 33 years of dedicated service.

Second clasps, signifying 30 years of service, were presented to Acting Assistant Director Cheung Chin-hung and 13 other officers.

Forty-three received first clasps while 38 others were given long service medals marking their 25th and 18th years of service.

Five received the director's commendation, and 14 others were awarded the assistant directors' commendation for their outstanding performance.

In addition, 35 disciplined and clerical staff received appreciation certificates issued by the Secretary for the Civil Service.

Mr Lai congratulated the recipients and thanked all staff for their support in the smooth implementation of various projects and measures taken by the department.

In face of the challenges ahead, he firmly believed that colleagues will continue to demonstrate their esprit de corps and perseverance in striving for continuous improvement to public service.