Spending on security and immigration control will rise 8.8% to $25.2 billion in the 2007-2008 financial year to enhance services, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says.

Speaking at a special Legislative Council Finance Committee meeting today, Mr Lee said immigration and customs services will be upgraded through the use of information technology, such as extending the Immigration Department's trial scheme on e-Channel facilities to visitors holding the Travel Pass within this year.

The Government has earmarked $565 million for 1,373 disciplined services posts catering for the opening of new control points at Shenzhen Bay Port and the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line later this year.

Crime stable

On crime, Mr Lee said the overall law and order situation remained stable, but Police will remain vigilant. Overall and violent crime figures rose 4.8% and 6.9% last year, but serious crimes like burglary, criminal damage, blackmail and rape cases fell.

On the admission of talent, Mr Lee said Hong Kong attracted more than 27,000 talented people and professionals through various schemes last year, up 57% rise on 2003. Since the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme was introduced last June, the Immigration Department has received 681 applications. Of them, 149 were allotted quota. The Government will review the scheme soon.

On drugs, Mr Lee said measures will be developed in 2007-08 to strengthen co-operation between private medical practitioners and social workers to address the medical needs of drug abusers and widen the network for early intervention.

To combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the Government will focus on the preparation for the "Mutual Evaluation" on Hong Kong to be conducted by the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering this year, and continue to engage the various sectors concerned in further enhancing Hong Kong's regime and meeting the latest international standards.