Extra hands: The Customs & Excise Department will have additional manpower for improving clearance services and operating new facilities.

The Customs & Excise Department will see 621 new non-directorate posts, the largest increase among all government departments, to 5,541 posts in March next year, the 2006-07 Budget unveils.

The additional manpower is planned to improve air-cargo clearance services and boost trade-control measures at the Shenzhen Bay Port. Staff are also needed for new facilities to be set up for SkyPlaza, Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor and Asia Airfreight Terminal 2.

The Immigration Department will create 474 posts in the coming financial year, bringing the number of non-directorate posts in the department to 6,497. The posts will cater for new check points and a surge in visitors. The new staff will also implement the updated information systems strategy and facilitate the entry of professional and quality migrants.

Immigration control, enforcement against illegal employment and services to help Hong Kong people in distress outside the city will also be stepped up.

The Lands Department will see an additional 400 non-directorate posts to strengthen its land-control work, bringing the total number of such posts to 3,697.

Staff cuts on schedule

On deletion of posts, Leisure & Cultural Services Department will have its non-directorate establishment downsized to 7,075 by cutting 314 posts in recreation and sports, horticulture and amenities, performing arts and public libraries.

The Police Force will reduce its non-directorate establishment to 32,133 posts from the existing 32,349 posts, thanks to the implementation of cost-saving measures.

In view of reduced staff requirements and contracting out of janitor services in government primary and secondary schools, the Education & Manpower Bureau will cut 103 posts, bringing its establishment to 5,800 non-directorate posts.

By March next year, the civil service establishment will be reduced to about 160,000 from 198,000 in 2000 as scheduled.