Illegal immigration | Gov’t may extend detention period to 90 days

The government has formulated proposals for the management of Macau’s customary waters, including one that might extend the maximum detention period for illegal immigrants from 60 to 90 days.
Wong Sio Chak, the Secretary for Security, released the information following a graduation ceremony of the 21st Training Program for Public Security Forces’ Police Cadets. He said that the new proposals would include the training of professionals, the acquisition of necessary equipment and the development of new regulations.
As previously reported, the MSAR has begun negotiations with mainland authorities regarding the management of Macau’s coastal waters. Mr Wong added that some changes to the existing cross-boundary cooperation model would be necessary, and that more details will be announced in due course.
He also noted that illegal immigration was a complicated issue and not one that could be resolved easily, despite the government’s proposals for their new role in managing Macau’s customary waters.
Mr Wong said that the government might revise the existing laws dealing with unlawful entry to Macau. Any such revision might include an increase in the maximum detention period from 60 to 90 days. In addition, training programs for Police Cadets would become more regular, taking place every six months instead of the current eight months.
The secretary specified that the proposals would not only maintain the current system for monitoring unauthorized immigration, but would also improve police officers’ operational efficiency and upgrade their equipment. Staff Reporter