Mr Murray
PS/ Mr Black
K
T. T
NICK 341|1
Nick
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
2 8 MAY 1980
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
Wa
REGISTRY
PS/PUS
PA
Action Taken
128:2
196-AN
See
72
71A
103)
jou
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION INTO HONG KONG FROM CHINA
Problem
1
A 1. To reply to the Governor's letter of 30 April outlining his con-
83Atingency plans to deal with a serious increase in the number of
illegal immigrants from China reaching Hong Kong.
B
85A
Recommendation
2. I recommend that we endorse the outline proposals and initiate now another approach to the Chinese authorities on the general question of illegal immigration. I submit a draft telegram. FED
concur.
Background and Argument
3.
The Hong Kong Government have for some time been considering a change in their present policy of allowing those illegal immigrants from China who evade capture on entry and reach the urban areas to remain in Hong Kong. The arguments for and against such a move are set out in the Governor's letter (paragraph 5) and in the attached memorandum which was discussed in the Executive Council on 13 May. The Governor's conclusion is that contingency plans should now be made for measures:
(a) to require the carriage of identity cards; and
(b) to make it illegal to employ anyone without an identity card.
Chinese found without identity cards would be returned to China. This would represent a middle course between a very stringent policy involving police searches of residential accommodation and other tough measures, and a more passive line under which illegal immi- grants who had "got to base" would only be returned if they came to the notice of the authorities.
4. The arguments are finely balanced but I believe that the Governor is right that, if the situation deteriorates further, there may be no alternative to measures on these lines. The progress made in recent years in public housing, education and social services has already been significantly offset by the effects of immigration. It could
SECRET
/be