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to continue its planned programmes of social and economic development. These measures were decided upon only after the most anxious consideration of all aspects of the feelings and desires of the people concerned on both sides of the border between Hong Kong and China.
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This paper describes the effects which continuing
herch illegal immigration at the present level would have on Hong Kong's social programmes and in general terms on "the quality of life" in Hong Kong. It will be seen that there was virtually no choice, if standards were to be maintained at acceptable levels for the existing population of Hong Kong, but to implement a more restrictive policy on immigration.
The Scale of Immigration
Illegal Immigrants:
Following the Government's decision to repatriate
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illegal Chinese immigrants caught in the border area with effect from 30 November 1974, the estimated number of illegals avoiding interception and entering Hong Kong remained at a relatively low level, until 1977. The number of illegal entrants then rose rapidly, climbing to an all-time high of 108,000 in 1979. annual figures are
The
Repatriated
Entered
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200
1975:
17100
6,600
1976:
800
6,100
1977:
1,800
6,600
1978:
8,200
28,000
158
1979:
90,000
102,000
(Jan-Sept) 1980:
69,500
61,700
Of those who avoid interception, 85 percent are
between the age of 15 and 30, most are single and 75 percent
Their educational attainment is; usually:
are male.
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