PUBLIC ORDER
242
Illegal Immigration from China
In 1989, combatting illegal immigration remained a priority for the security forces. Resources devoted to this problem included an average of 756 police officers each day and the regular tasking of military and immigration officers. During the year a total of 5 452 illegal immigrants from China were arrested as they attempted to enter Hong Kong. In addition 10 389 who had actually made their way into the territory were subsequently located and arrested.
The surge of illegal immigration which occurred in the spring of 1988 was not repeated this year and the arrest rate averaged 1 320 per month as compared to 1 749 in 1988 and 2 225 in 1987. Although these figures are encouraging, political and economic events have, in the past, led to sudden and dramatic increases in illegal immigration and the police must remain constantly alert to the possibility of a new influx.
The introduction of new identity cards in 1987, which are more difficult to forge and easy to check, has greatly assisted in maintaining the pressure on those illegal immigrants who do evade capture on entry and all identity cards will be of the new type by the end of 1991.
The widening of the criteria for criminal prosecution of illegal immigration offences coupled with the imposition of custodial sentences in some areas has restricted the opportunities for illegal immigrants to find employment. This has reduced the attraction of Hong Kong for the would-be illegal immigrant.
Vietnamese Influx
The influx of Vietnamese boat people (VBP), which had prompted special measures to be taken in 1988, continued to pose problems in 1989. Monthly arrival rates of over 9 000 in both May and June were especially worrying. The vast majority of Vietnamese were from the North and had left for economic rather than political reasons.
Since June 1988, all VBP have been held in detention centres pending a screening process to determine their status in accordance with the 1951 United Nations Convention. All VBP arriving in the territory are advised of this policy and informed that they are free to leave. However, if they elect to stay they are warned that if classified as economic migrants they will be detained pending repatriation to Vietnam.
A total of 34 116 VBP and 231 ex-China Vietnamese illegal immigrants arrived during 1989.
On December 31, the total number of Vietnamese stood at 56 045 of which 7 092 were kept in open camps, 4 930 in closed centres and 44 023 in detention centres. Resettlement accounted for 4 754 and 1 665 births were recorded.
Marine Police
With its 10-year expansion plan now complete the Marine Police initiated a programme to replace the older vessels in its fleet of some 150 craft. A major feature was a worldwide market survey to identify a suitable vessel to replace Police Launches No. 1 and 2 which have been in service since 1963, and 1971-vintage Vosper 78-foot patrol launches.
The year brought challenges in dealing with an increasing number of boat people from Vietnam. It tested the Marine Police to the limit in terms of manpower, launches and equipment and also involved personnel having to guard VBP at temporary detention centres located at Stonecutters Island and Tai A Chau.
Traffic
The number of licensed vehicles and the resulting traffic density in terms of vehicles per kilometre of road increased over the previous year by 9.2 per cent and 6.5 per cent