End
(1)
(ii)
(c)
· 23 ·
there are strong compassionate grounds, e.g. non-release will result in long period of detention pending processing of their cases; and
there is no likelihood of abscondment.
There has been an upward trend in the number of persons granted recognizance in the first three months this year because of the recent increase in the number of surrendered illegal immigrant children and Two-way Permit overstayers.
Statistics of recognizance granted since 1995 are as follows:-
TWP overstayers
Illegal immigrants
Total
1995
92 (15)
3383 (584)
3475 (599)
1996
808 (88)
3736 (590)
4544 (678)
1997
(383)
(1996)
(2379)
(Jan-Mar)
( denotes the number of persons granted recognizance from
January to March in the respective year.
The trend is being closely monitored. Both the Hong Kong and the Chinese authorities have undertaken to make publicity to quell the rumour of amnesty for illegal immigrants. Security forces on both sides have also stepped up their border patrol to prevent illegal immigration.
(d) The recognizance form does not confer any permission for the holder to stay in Hong Kong. It is only a prescribed form issued to an illegal immigrant or overstayer who has been granted recognizance temporarily as an alternative to detention while the case is being processed. It sets out certain conditions for the holder to comply with, such as the amount of money or number of sureties to be provided; and the time and frequency of reporting to the Immigration Department. The holder's status as an illegal immigrant or overstayer remains unchanged and once the person's presence in Hong Kong is no longer required, removal will be effected at the earliest opportunity. Holders of recognizance forms are not eligible for a Hong Kong Identity Card even if they remain in the territory after 1st July 1997.