Countermeasures
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5. The main means of preventing illegal immigration lie in Hong Kong's security measures at the border. The border fence and
its associated obstacles are manned at all times by a battalion of
48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade with a further company in reserve. A
range of technical surveillance aids is in use. The vast majority of illegals attempt to cross the land border. Sea approaches are patrolled by Marine Police launches (especially in Deep Bay and Mirs Bay) and Royal Navy patrol craft. Evaders are discovered by means
of Police identity card checks and raids on places where illegals are likely to find work. Hong Kong legislation prohibits the employment of illegal immigrants.
Ex-China Vietnamese illegal immigrants (ECVIIS)
6. There has long been a problem of former Vietnamese refugees
who have been resettled in China coming into Hong Kong illegally,
hoping to be resettled elsewhere as genuine Vietnamese refugees. Over 7,000 ECVIIS came to Hong Kong between June and October 1987.
The influx has now all but ceased. Following consultations with the Chinese, they were almost all returned to China before the end of
last year.
Nearly 200 remain in Hong Kong, of whom 60 are from Fang Cheng where there have been allegations of maltreatment.
Consultations with the Chinese for the return of all remaining
ECVIIS continues.
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Hong Kong Department
May 1988