SECRET
F ENTIAL FACTS
Extent of Problem of Illegal Immigration
1. At present, those who leave China without permission and are
caught before they reach urban areas in Hong Kong are returned to
China. Punishment in China remains relatively lenient. Arrangements
for repatriation were agreed at meetings between the Political
Adviser and the Guangdong Provincial Authorities in November 1974.
Illegal immigrants who evade immediate capture on entry are at
present allowed to stay in Hong Kong.
2. In 1978, over 8,000 illegal immigrants repatriated.
Figure
rose to 89,000 in 1979. The figures remain high, from 4,000 per
month in January to over 12,000 in August. Nearly 56,000 illegal
immigrants have been repatriated in the first 8 months of this year.
At least as many are estimated to have entered Hong Kong.
3. Hong Kong Garrison reinforced with additional battalion and
naval craft and helicopters. New illuminated primary border fence
is being constructed. Longer prison sentences are imposed on
organisers of illegal immigration in Hong Kong.
4. In November 1979, Chairman Hua Guofeng assured the Prime Minister
that more effective measures would be taken by theChinese. New laws
against illegal emigration by the Guangdong Provincial Authorities
probably responsible for a subsequent drop in numbers from 15,202 in
December 1979 to 4,054 in January 1980. But with a new rise in levels,
Mr Blaker spoke to the Chinese Ambassador in June. There has been
no improvement since.
Change in Policy
5.
Secretary of State has approved Governor's proposal to end
present policy of allowing those illegal immigrants who evade capture
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