CONFIDENTIAL
IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA
: ESSENTIAL FACTS
1.
In 1979 and 1980 massive influx of illegal immigrants from China put severe strain on Hong Kong's resources. Previous policy was to repatriate only those caught when entering Hong Kong. Since October 1980 Government have repatriated also those who evaded capture on entry and were caught within the Territory. Chinese have played their part by accepting illegal for repatriation.
2.
Legal immigration from China also a problem. About 150 a day enter Hong Kong, ostensibly for visits but often for settlement. During 1981 proportion of one-way permit holders (ie permanent settlers as opposed to "visitors" on two-way permits) increased from less than 8% in whole of 1980 to almost 75% from November 1981 onwards. As a result Chinese were asked both in Peking and in Hong Kong in November 1981 to keep number of one-way permits down to no more than 50%. They were also told that visitors (ie holders of two-way permits with a fixed validity) who overstay will if necessary be sent back. Chinese responded on 7 September 1982 saying:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
they had always had regard for Hong Kong's difficulties and would continue to control number of Chinese residents entering Hong Kong illegally;
they would "improve the method" of controlling outgoing passages by distinguishing those wishing to come for permanent settlement from those wishing to visit relatives in Hong Kong;
they would ask travellers issued with two-way permits to return to China on the completion of their visits;
they would accept the return of the overstayers sent back by Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL
/3.