An update on the comprehensive review on the strategy of handling non-refoulement claims – proposals to amend the Immigration Ordinance
Implementing the latest requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization
Mr CHAN Chun-ying asked whether India was the country of origin of a majority of visitors who lodged a non-refoulement claim immediately upon arrival at Hong Kong. Referring to paragraph 19 of the Administration’s paper, he asked whether countries which were not members of the International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) would also be required to provide passenger information to ImmD before the departure of flights.
S for S responded that Vietnam and India were the major source countries of non-refoulement claimants. Most claimants from Vietnam had entered Hong Kong illegally, while most claimants from India had overstayed. He said that the advanced passenger information requirement of ICAO was proposed to apply to airlines, their owners or agents.
Installation of electric locks security system in Pik Uk Correctional Institution
Mr CHAN Chun-ying expressed concern about the slow progress of installation of ELSS at correctional institutions.
Under Secretary for Security (“US for S”) responded that as PUCI had been built 43 years ago, some facilities would need to be refurbished or modified before the installation of ELSS. As PUCI would be in full operation while ELSS was being installed, the works concerned had to be carried out in four stages and hence would take a longer time. He added that the installation of ELSS at correctional institutions was carried out in stages. It was also necessary to examine the specific circumstances of individual correctional institutions and tailor the design of ELSS to the specific circumstances of individual correctional institutions. Assistant Commissioner (Operations), Correctional Services Department (“AC(O)/CSD”) added that the installation of ELSS in the non-redeveloped areas at Tai Lam Centre for Women (“TLCW”) and Stanley Prison were in progress and would be completed in 2020 and 2025 respectively.
Recurrent and non-recurrent costs
Mr CHAN Chun-ying expressed concern whether the costs for refurbishment and modification works required for installation of ELSS had been included in the estimated non-recurrent cost
US for S responded that the estimated annual recurrent cost would be more than $30 million, among which 26% would be spent on corrective maintenance, 10% on equipment spare parts and 16% on management fee. The installation of facial recognition system would incur an additional cost of $25.8 million.
Reliability of the proposed system and adoption of new technology
Mr CHAN Chun-ying expressed support for the Administration’s proposal. He asked whether measures were taken to protect ELSSs from hacking. US for S responded that the system included a back-up server and all wirings were enclosed in conduits to protect them from being interfered or damaged. It was a closed system and thus would not be open to hacking.