The Two Early Release Schemes

Prisoners who are serving a sentence of three years or more (other than imprisonment for life) and who have served not less than one half or 20 months (whichever is the greater) of their sentences are eligible for early release under this scheme under section 7(1) of the Prisoners (Release under Supervision) Ordinance. They may apply six months before the earliest date on which they may be released under the scheme. Successful applicants are released from prison subject to a supervision order which will remain in force until their latest date of discharge, i.e. the date on which the full sentence (without remission under the Prison Rules (Cap. 234 subsidiary legislation)) ends. A standard set of supervision conditions as stated in the supervision order is at Annex I. This scheme is helpful to prisoners who have been reformed during incarceration but require assistance and guidance after release in adapting to normal life after serving a long period in prison.

Prisoners who are serving a sentence of two years or more (other than imprisonment for life) and who are within six months prior to their earliest date of discharge are eligible for early release under this scheme under section 7(2) of the Prisoners (Release under Supervision) Ordinance. They may apply within 12 months from their earliest date of discharge. Successful applicants are released from prison six months or less prior to their earliest date of discharge. They are subject to a supervision order, which is similar to that for the Release under Supervision Scheme, with an additional requirement for residence in a hostel managed by the Correctional Services Department. A standard set of supervision conditions as stated in the related supervision order is at Annex II. An applicant for this scheme must have secured employment for the supervision period. This scheme is helpful to prisoners who need a period of adjustment in the course of reintegrating into society by residing in a hostel and earning a living on their own under the guidance of the supervising officers.

Apart from those conditions as listed in the two sample supervision orders, the Board may advise to impose additional conditions depending on individual circumstances, such as the requirement for attending psychological/psychiatric treatment and counselling.