ACEAIJ
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VISIT OF THE LORD GLENARTHUR TO HONG KONG: 29 JUNE
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1 JULY 1988
BACKGROUND BRIEF D: ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
1
Illegal immigration from China has been a serious problem for many years. Prior to October 1980, immigrants entering Hong Kong from China illegally were allowed to stay by the Hong Kong Government if they reached the urban area without being captured by the security forces. On 23 October 1980 the "reach base" policy was discontinued. Since then all illegal immigrants discovered by the security forces have been returned to China.
Recent trends
2.
The figures for 1985, 1986, 1987 and the first three months of
1988 are:
1985
1986
1987
JAN-MAR 1988
Arrested on entry
12,616
16,832
22,425
5085
Evaders arrested
or surrendered
3,394
3,725
3,798
1115
The figures show a steep increase in attempted illegal immigration in the last few years. However, the evader rate has remained reasonably stable as a proportion of total arrests.
This indicates
that the vast majority are being caught and sent back quickly.
3.
During his recent visit to China, the Chief Secretary asked the Chinese to step up their efforts to stop people leaving China illegally. The Chinese have responded with assurances that they
will do so.
Motivation
4.
An
The motivation for illegal immigrants is purely economic. illegal immigrant can earn as much in one day on a building site in Hong Kong as he can in a month on a farm in Southern China.
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