G.S. 186
LUNTIDENTIAL
For information
(17. 11, 1981)
機
1X 2 密
NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
LEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA
XCCI(81)53
02
Copy No
Now that illegal immigration from China has been brought
down to a relatively low level and has remained low for a year, consideration is being given to tackling the problem of legal immigrants, i.e. those persons who leave China with the permission of the authorities and remain in Hong Kong permanently, even if their permits stipulate return.
2
For the last two years legal immigrants have been arriving
at an average rate of 150 a day or 55,000 a year. Very few return. As the Governor said in his speech in the Legislative Council, these numbers are too high for Hong Kong to absorb indefinitely with out serious detriment to its housing, social service, medical etc. programmes.
3
A proportion of the immigrants are issued with "two-way permits" by the Chinese authorities but the proportion has been falling rapidly in the last few months. In October 72% of arrivals left China on single journey permits. Two-way permits in theory require the immigrants return to China when the validity of the permit expires. In practice very few go back and so far the Administration has not attempted to enforce return. Instead it allows the immigrants to register for identity cards and settle here. Serious thought is now being given to a change in this policy.
4
No final decision has been taken since the practicability of any change is dependent on Chinese concurrence and co-operation. However as the daily number of legals with single exit permits has now risen to over 100 and seems likely on the trend so far this year to go higher, it is intended that the Chinese should be told of our concern at this increase and of our wish to see it held at its present level and preferably reversed with the simultaneous introduction of a scheme to return overstayers. The Chinese will therefore be sounded shortly both in Hong Kong and in Peking.
5
If there is a favourable response, a scheme for returning overstayers will be developed quickly with a view to early implementation. February 1982 is the earliest possible date for a start, but this depends on the time the Chinese taken to react to our soundings.
6
Members will be kept informed.
11th November 1981
(SCR 1/2091/81)
COUNCIL CHAMBER
CONFIDENTIAL #3
機密