DSR 11C
CONFIDENTIAL
refugees in Hong Kong had more than doubled from an
average of 2% during 1971 to 1977 to over 5% in 1979).
4.
The new legislation provided for the repatriation of
all immigrants entering Hong Kong from China illegally
after 23 October 1980. Those who were already in Hong
Kong but had not until then registered and applied for an
Identity Card were given 3 days in which to do so.
Illegal immigrants were no longer eligible for Identity
Cards and all residents of Hong Kong from that time had
to carry proof of identity at all times. Employers were
debarred from employing anyone without an Identity Card.
Provision was made for appeals to be made against
repatriation. An important aspect of the new policy was
to discourage attempts at illegal immigration by making
it more difficult for illegal immigrants to live and work
in Hong Kong were they to reach there.
5.
Repatriation is carried out daily, usually within 24
hours of the individual's arrival. It is thought that
returned illegal immigrants are subject to a fine, with
larger fines being made for subsequent attempts: The
Chinese authorities have not, as a rule, been asked as to
the fate of repatriated illegal immigrants. This has
been considered an interference in China's internal
affairs which would be found unacceptable.
has always been some evidence to suggest that penalties
imposed for illegal immigration are light.
However there
6. In the light of considerable difficulties, the
CONFIDENTIAL IÁL