PUBLIC ORDER
and quickly disseminated. Frequent contacts with local and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates were maintained. Special operations were mounted against forgery syndicates.
Interception of Wanted Persons
During the year, 113 992 persons were intercepted at immigration control points, and immigration and registration of persons offices. Of these, 749 were wanted in connection with murder cases, 2 795 were suspected robbers, 55 089 were suspected of involvement in the trafficking of dangerous drugs and 45 334 were wanted in connection with other criminal offences. In addition, 186 known or suspected terrorists were identified at points of entry.
Illegal Immigration
The availability of employment opportunities in Hong Kong continued to attract large numbers of illegal immigrants to the territory. The lower wages accepted by these immigrants encouraged unscrupulous employers to offer them employment. Frequent checks were, therefore, conducted at targeted locations, including construction sites, factories, restaurants and other places of employment.
Illegal immigrants arrested at these places were prosecuted and sentenced to imprisonment, before being repatriated to their places of origin. Employers of illegal immigrants, including principal contractors in the construction industry, were also prosecuted and fined and, in serious cases, custodial sentences were imposed. In 1993, 77 employers of illegal immigrants were prosecuted. In addition, publicity continued to emphasise that there will be no amnesties.
In 1993, a total of 44 146 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated. This figure, which includes arrests by the police and the number of illegal immigrants caught working, represented an increase of 2.4 per cent on the 43 096 apprehended in 1992.
Investigation and Prosecution of Immigration Offences
A total of 11 905 charges were laid against persons who had committed various immigrations offences. These included remaining in Hong Kong illegally, breaching conditions of stay, making false statements or representations, and using or possessing forged documents.
Deportation and Removal
The department is responsible for the application, issue and execution of deportation and removal orders. During the year, 7 441 persons who had been convicted of possessing or trafficking in dangerous drugs, deception, theft and other criminal offences were considered for deportation. Subsequently, 295 were deported. In addition, 1 894 persons were removed from Hong Kong under removal orders. These included 1 317 illegal immigrants, mostly of Chinese origin, and 577 persons who had breached their conditions of stay.
Fire Services
The Fire Services Department is responsible for fire-fighting and rescue on land, sea and at the airport within Hong Kong's territorial boundary. It also provides the major ambulance service and gives advice on fire protection measures to the public.
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