Back to work: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee (third from right) launches the Rice Dumpling Production Project to help rehabilitated offenders reintegrate into society.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee has urged the business sector to offer rehabilitated offenders equal opportunities and support their reintegration into society so they can lead self-reliant lives.

Mr Lee made the remarks today when launching the Society of Rehabilitation & Crime Prevention's Rice Dumpling Production Project - which combines the efforts of the private sector, non-governmental organisations and the Government to help rehabilitated offenders reintegrate in their communities.

"Helping offenders rehabilitate and return to society as law-abiding citizens is an indispensable part of correctional services, and fittingly a key service of the Correctional Services Department in recent years," Mr Lee said.

Through education, technical training and counselling services, the department helps rehabilitated offenders boost their confidence, brush up their skills, and develop values to overcome the pressure and challenges they face when they leave prison.

It also endeavours to deepen public understanding of rehabilitated offenders, and eliminate misunderstanding and discrimination against them through community activities jointly organised with voluntary agencies.

More than 60 NGOs and religious groups have joined with the department to provide services for rehabilitated offenders to help with their reintegration into society.

Stressing the importance of community acceptance and support for rehabilitated offenders, Mr Lee hoped more employers will accept them and offer them equal job opportunities, allowing them to return to the job market by virtue of their academic qualifications, work experience, individual ability and performance.