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CONFIDENTIAL
3
機密
Since 1 January 1974, 88,582 holders of Declarations of Identity departed for China and 75,660 returned to Hong Kong. The great majority had returned there to visit their families. The similar figures for Macao and elsewhere are available only since 1 April 1975; these are:-
Macao Elsewhere
Illegal immigration from China
5.
Departures to
Arrivals from
4,852 6,111
317
2,247
་
During April 1978, 308 illegal immigrants were arrested compared with 165 last month. This is the highest arrest figure since repatriation commenced on 30 November 1974.
6.
Of these 308 arrested, 142 were land crossers, 146 bay crossers and 20 sea crossers. Most of them were between 16 - 25 years of age. All were processed at Ta Ku Ling. Consequently 300 were repatriated during the month, 4 were allowed to stay and the remaining 4 were awaiting a decision. In addition, 8 illegal immigrants arrested in February and March were repatriated to China in April. The highest number of illegal immigrants arrested on any one day during the month was 22 on 15 April.
& local residents were convicted of aiding and abetting 8 illegal immigrants from China. Of these, 2 were sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, 3 were sentenced to a fine of $1,000 - $2,000 and 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years.
The remaining 3 were remanded until 31 May 1978 for sentence.
8.
On 18 April, a goods vehicle which was used in the commission of aiding and abetting 2 illegal immigrants from China was seized by the Police at Sha Tau Kok. An application for forfeiture of the vehicle is under process.
9.
14 bodies, believed to be those of illegal immigrants drowned whilst attempting entry, were recovered from the sea during the month (1 in the eastern sector, 4 in the western sector and 9 in the northern sector).
10.
The cumulative total of illegal immigrants arrested by or surrendered to the Police and the Army since 1 January 1968 is now 32,429. The yearly totals are as follows:-
Year
Total
1963
1969
2, 444 1,273
1970
1,676
% increase/decrease over previous year
47.9% decrease
31.7% increase
CONFIDENTIAL
/1971
機密