Immigration Department to process work permit applications.

Mr. John Payne, Assistant Chief Immigration Officer, said the existing computer system was not used to process work permit applications.

The job has been done by hand up until this month.

A "stress test'' is planned for Monday, March 14, 1994. The department is urging the public not to call that day while the system is being given a test run.

"Staff will be working on mock applications that day,'' said Mr. Payne.

"We hope any bugs will be rectified within two to three weeks''.

The new system will cut down on duplicating information, and also allow immigration staff at the airport to check whether an individual, purporting to be waiting for a permit to be approved, is bona fide.