པས་ FNC
BY BAG
布政司署
RESTRICTED
香港下亞畢道
* OUR REF: SCR 3/2091/79
* YOUR REF:
K Sullivan Esq
PEKING
!
1201
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT
LOWER ALBERT ROAD
HKK 344NG/KONG
RECEIVED IN TO VAY NJ. 51
73949880
DESK OF INDEX
No
PA
RIMUR
25 / 7
E
AN
25/7
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA: MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS
We have been collecting figures since August 1979 on the number of attempts made by illegal immigrants to enter Hong Kong. The latest figures show a rather dramatic change this year. As you will see from the enclosed table about 90% of arrested illegal immigrants in 1979 claimed they were making their first attempt: in the first five months of 1980 this figure has dropped to about 60%.
2.
The reasons are not hard to find. Punishments for those repatriated remained very light, with only short periods in detention for those making a first or second attempt and fines which are usually paid by relatives in the hope that eventually one of their children will reach Hong Kong and earn enough money to make it worthwhile. An added factor has probably been recurrent rumours that policy in Hong Kong might change so that it is better to make repeated attempts now.
3.
We have passed the figures to the NCNA and asked if they can provide any confirmation about the proportion of those being returned after two or more attempts. While we rely on the statements made by the illegals themselves, there is no obvious advantage to them, once arrested, in giving false information.
cc P J Williamson Esq HK&GD FCO
RC Fursland Esq FED FCO Ministry of Defence (DS 11)
(I C Orr)
RESTRICTED
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Illegals. arrested
and