VANCOUVER - Most of the Chinese immigrants found in the cargo hold of a ship off Vancouver Island last month are getting their first taste of Canadian freedom today. Canada Immigration officials say the majority of the migrants have come up with satisfactory proof of their identities.

The migrants being held at CFB Esquimalt

Last month, 123 immigrants were detained after the ship was seized. Police suspect they were planning to enter the country illegally and may be part of a human smuggling ring.

On Wednesday, 81 of them will be handed over to aid agencies who will find them temporary accommodation.

The migrants are being let go under tight controls. They will need to check in with immigration officials within days of their release with an address of a resident they will stay with. If they meet the conditions and fill out the necessary documents, then the official refugee process will begin.

The situation is not so clear for 34 others who were also detained in Vancouver. Immigration officials say they are not satisfied with their identities.

The RCMP are continuing its investigation over whether some of them will face charges under the Immigration Act for bringing the migrants to Canada.

Immigration officials hope to begin refugee hearings for the migrants by September.