A preliminary study is underway to facilitate the intake of students from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong's Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang said here Wednesday.

Tsang told legislators that the present immigration policy allowing entry of non-local students for primary and secondary education at non-public schools does not apply to mainland students.

"We appreciate the merit of having non-local students in our education system and are now studying how our immigration and related policies may facilitate the intake of these students. Discussions are at a preliminary stage and when more implementation details have been formulated, we shall consult relevant sectors," said Tsang.

Tsang said the Task Force on Population Policy is studying overseas policies and practices in areas including eligibility and portability of public benefits, attracting professionals, talents and investors, concept of retirement age, as well as measures for encouraging child birth.

The studies will provide useful reference of alternative options and facilitate the Task Force to map out a strategy that will be appropriate for Hong Kong's long-term development as a knowledge-based economy, he said.