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Holders of recognizance form not eligible for HKID card
Following are a question by the Hon Fred Li and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding the issue of temporary permits (commonly known as "going-out passes") - which allow holders of such permits to move about in the territory - to certain illegal immigrants or visitors who have been granted extension of stay, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
of the procedures for the issue of "going-out passes" and the ranks of public officers who are authorised to issue such passes;
of the criteria for issuing "going-out passes";
whether the number of "going-out passes" issued during the first quarter of this year shows an upward trend in comparison with those issued in the corresponding period over the past two years; and
whether holders of "going-out passes" are eligible for the Hong Kong Identity Card if they remain in the territory after 1st July this year?
Reply:
Mr President,
(a)
(b)
Our policy is to repatriate all illegal immigrants and overstayers immediately unless there are justifiable grounds (see (b) below). Under such circumstances, the person will normally be released on recognizance under Section 36(1) of the Immigration Ordinance in lieu of detention under the authority of a Chief Immigration Officer. They are required to provide a surety of HK2,000 from a close relative resident in Hong Kong and report to the Recognizance Office every two to four weeks. These recognizance forms are commonly known as "out- going passes". They are issued to illegal immigrants and overstayers in specific circumstances and are not applicable to visitors who have been granted extension of stay. Extension of stay endorsements are made on the applicants' travel documents.
Recognizance will only be considered when the following criteria are
met
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