XN000022-1995-05-17 — Page 49

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Illegal immigrants in prison

Following is a question by the Hon M G Barrow and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Security, Mr James Morris, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In regard to the jailing of illegal immigrants, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

of the percentage of illegal immigrants in the prison population, their average length of sentence, together with a breakdown by the offences committed;

of the estimated annual cost of maintaining these illegal immigrants in jail;

whether there is evidence that a jail sentence in the territory is more of a deterrent than immediate return to China; and

whether the Government will review its policy of jailing those illegal immigrants whose only crime has been working here illegally, rather than sending them back to China?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

As regards the first part of the question, there are about 3 300 illegal immigrants in prison. This accounts for approximately 26% of the total penal population of about 12 500.

72% of the illegal immigrants in prison were sentenced to

periods

ranging from one month to 18 months. The rest are serving sentences of more than 18 months.