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| Immigration officers escort the failed torture claimants to the plane that took them home |
In a further sign that
it is tightening the screening of torture claimants (or those who are resisting
being sent back home), the Immigration Department said in a statement today
that it has repatriated a total of 26 “unsubstantianted non-refoulement
claimants” between Nov 1 to Nov 4.
Those who were sent home
comprised 22 males and four females who were either illegal immigrants, overstayers, passengers refused landing in Hong Kong,
as well as discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences.
The
statement said, “The ImmD has all along been committed to removing
unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable
so as to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public
interest.”
“The repatriation
process has been hindered by various factors, including a significant
proportion of claimants having applied for leave to apply for judicial review
against their refusal claims and appeals, as well as the limited flights and
other travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic,” it added.
The
statement said Immigration remains committed to speeding up the removal of
torture claimants who are not able to substantiate or support their reasons for
insisting on staying in Hong Kong. “depending on circumstances and needs.”
In the removal
operation, the Immigration gets support from governments of the major source
countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government
departments.
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