}
CONFIDENTIAL
Illegal immigration from China
5.
機密
During September 1978, 987 illegal immigrants
were arrested compared with 594 last month. This is the. highest arrest figure since repatriation commenced on 30 November 1974.
6.
Of these 987 arrested, 489 were land crossers, 344 bay crossers and 154 sea crossers. Most of them were between 16 - 25 years of age. All were processed at Ta Ku Ling. Consequently 968 were repatriated during the month, 6 were allowed to stay, and the remaining 13 were awaiting
ľ
a decision. In addition, of the remaining 52 illegal immigrants arrested in August, 1 was allowed to stay and 51 were repatriated to China in September. The highest number of illegal immigrants arrested on any one day during the month was 70 on 23 September.
7.
2 local residents were prosecuted for aiding and abetting 2 illegal immigrants from China. 1 was sentenced to 2 months imprisonment and the other was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. In addition, a local resident who was prosecuted in August for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants from China was discharged in September.
8.
7 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 and 6 in the northern sector).
9.
The cumulative total of illegal immigrants arrested by or surrendered to the Police and the Army since 1 January 1968 is now 35, 243. The yearly totals are as follows:-
% increase/decreese over previous year
Year
Total
1968
2,444
1969
1,273
47.9% decrease
1970
1,676
31.7% increase
1971
3,467
106.9% increase
1972
5,686
64.0% increase
1973
6,057
6.5% increase
1974
7,150
18.1% increase
1975
1,173
83.5% decrease
1976
838
28.6% decrease
1977
1,815
116.6% increase
1978
3,664
160.6% increase
(Jan-Sept)
Since repatriation to China commenced on 30 November 1974, the figures so far are:-
apprehended
7,692
7,576
returned
99
allowed to stay
13
2
2
awaiting a decision
escaped (1 from Ta Ku Ling, the
other from Lok Ma Chau Police Station) deceased
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
.0.