CONFIDENTIAL
C/Red 6 FEH 18/1 ched b
LORD GOROHWY-ROBERTS'S NOTING JETH THU GOVERNOR OF HONG KON:
2 DECEMBER 1975
BRIEF NO. 1
ILLEGAL ПHIGRATION INTO HONG KONG FROM CHINA
Line to Take
1.
The Minister may wish to seek the Governor's views on the working of the policy of returning illegal immigrants reinstated in November 1974. He could make the following points:
(a) Interest in this subject continues amongst a number
of it's and organisations in this country.
(b) Are the authorities in Hong Kong concerned that a
large number of illegal immigrants might in fact be evading the security net and arriving in the urban
areas?
Background
2.
In an attempt to reduce the number of immigrants arriving in Hong Kong from China an understanding was reached with the Chinese in November 1974 to return illegal immigrants apprehended on first entry into the Colony.
3.
Before the Immigration Authorities make any decision on refusing entry they examine each case on an individual basis, to try to exclude:
(i) genuine political refugees;
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
and
those whom the Chinese have firmly requested should be returned to face criminal charges, who would have
to be dealt with under extradition procedures; cases of genuine hardship, those not apprehended on first entry who subsequently reach the unbun
areas; and
other special cases, particularly humanitarien ones.
12.