THE Immigration Tribunal wields ''draconian'' powers and should be overhauled to make it more open and accountable, the deputy chairman of the Legislative Council's security panel, James To Kun-sun, said yesterday.
''The Immigration Ordinance is subjective and open to interpretation and needs to be completely overhauled to make the tribunal more transparent,'' he said.
At the moment the tribunal has the power to dismiss a case or refuse an application to stay in Hong Kong without a hearing.
Mr To added: ''The powers and procedures of the tribunal are draconian. The ordinance is not doing the people justice and the whole system is in need of an urgent up-date.'' The criticism comes as the tribunal is about to consider for the third time whether or not two young girls were born in Hong Kong and therefore have the right to remain here.
The High Court has twice found procedural improprieties with the tribunal and quashed its findings.
But the tribunal's c hief adjudicator, Eric Barnes, said he was happy with the way the tribunal was operating.