Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says $23.2 billion will be allocated in the coming financial year to internal security and immigration control, up 2.1% on the current year.

Mr Lee told the Legislative Council Finance Committee today the Security Bureau will use resources cost-effectively to introduce new or enhanced services to ensure Hong Kong remains a safe city.

Police have identified major operational targets like including combating violent crime, triad-related cases, 'quick-cash' crime, terrorism, trafficking and abuse of drugs, and offences related to visitors, tourists and illegal immigrants. Overall crime fell 4.8% last year.

On immigration and customs, he said the automated passenger and vehicle clearance systems will be expanded in phases, and proposed legislative amendments to enable electronic submission of certain immigration-related applications have been tabled.

1,400 posts

The bureau has earmarked $281 million for 1,457 posts to meet the demand in cross-boundary traffic and cater for new control points at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and SkyPlaza.

To meet public demand for more diversified services, the first batch of civil celebrants of marriages will be appointed by May.

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme will be launched by June to attract top talent to Hong Kong for long-term development. An initial annual quota of 1,000 will be set and successful applicants are not required to obtain a prior job offer before they are granted entry.

Mr Lee said biometric Hong Kong SAR passports will be introduced early next year to safeguard and promote travel convenience.

New ambulance depot

The bureau is studying options to better meet rising demand for emergency ambulance services. The modes of service delivery are under review to ensure better use of resources, such as the adoption of a medical priority dispatch system.

Mr Lee said the bureau will keep reviewing resources, such as the commissioning of a new ambulance depot at Kowloon Tong, and open recruitment of 97 ambulance staff in 2006-2007.

Also, a sum of $31 million has been earmarked for the procurement and replacement of fire appliances, ambulances and equipment to enhance fire-fighting and rescue capabilities, and the recruit of 207 fire services staff.

Correctional redevelopment

Funding approval will be sought to redevelop the Lo Wu Correctional Institution, which overcrowded and outdated.

The Correctional Services Department will work with the community to help rehabilitated offenders re-integrate into society, and implement improvements to the overall management and rehabilitation of offenders.

Mr Lee said the bureau will roll out the 4th 3-year Plan on Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation Services (2006-2008), and monitor the progress of the drug treatment centres licensing scheme.

Measures will also be developed to strengthen community primary healthcare support for drug treatment and rehabilitation services and to help reformed addicts to re-integrate into society.

To combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the bureau will put in place the revised Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force to meet the latest international standards.