HONG KONG citizens languishing in prisons in Singapore and other Asian countries will be allowed to apply for a transfer to the territory if a Security Branch proposal receives the go-ahead.
Hong Kong has agreements to repatriate prisoners from Thailand and about 20 European and North American countries, but officials are hoping arrangements can be made with more Asian countries.
The move comes as families of Hong Kong prisoners in Thailand urge a speedier return following revelations that 21 Hong Kong inmates are still in a Thai jail after applying for transfers.
A Security Branch official could not give a definite time for their return.
Families of the 101 prisoners serving time in Thailand have fought hard for speedier repatriation.
One relative said some prisoners had asked for more money to be sent out in the run up to the Lunar New Year so they could give 'lucky money' to their captors.
'I have just sent my brother $6,000 for two months when usually we only pay about $2,000 a month,' said a family representative.
