CONFIDENTIAL
IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA: ESSENTIAL FACTS
EXTENT OF PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
1. Since January 1980, estimated 68,000 illegal immigrants
succeeded in evading capture by security forces and were allowed
to remain in Hong Kong. Population growth rate of over 6% per
annum. (the natural growth rate is 1.2%). Damaging effect on
economy and social services.
NEW POLICY
2. On 23 October, the Governor announced, with HMG's approval,
new policy to repatriate all illegal immigrants. New legislation
requires carriage of identity cards and makes it an offence to
employ illegal immigrants or anyone without proof of identity.
Illegal immigrants already in Hong Kong were allowed until
midnight 26 October to register for identity cards. Governor
had previously discussed the measures with the Guangdong
provincial authorities.
3.
Secretary of State also told Huang Hua.
No serious criticism in UK so far. But measures could
encourage black market in identity cards and increase exploitation
May be Parliamentary interest later.
of illegal immigrants.
LEGAL IMMIGRATION
4. The present average of 150 legal immigrants per day is
unacceptably high. Hong Kong Government can do little to stop
this. Initiative rests with China, to whom representations on
lowering numbers have been made.
Hong Kong and General Department 30 October 1980
CONFIDENTIAL