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Public Order
helicopter. By the end of 2020, it will be operating three fixed-wing aircraft and nine helicopters for operations and flight training.
Immigration Department Immigration Control
The Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order by controlling entry into Hong Kong. Immigration officers conduct checks at control points and vet entry applications to detect undesirable people, including international criminals and dubious visitors. The territory refused the entry of 57,583 people in 2019.
Detection of Forged Travel Documents
The department takes strict measures to guard against the use of forged travel documents and carries out special operations against forgery syndicates. In 2019, it detected 572 forged travel. documents. The department maintains close contact and exchanges information with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates.
Interception of Targeted or Wanted Persons
In 2019, officers intercepted at immigration control points 342,687 targeted or wanted persons in connection with offences or court orders ranging from failure to settle outstanding fines to
serious crime.
Combating Unlawful Employment
The department's Anti-Illegal Workers Combat Squad combats illegal employment, conducting undercover patrols at illegal worker black spots. In 2019, the squad conducted 14,147 raids and arrested 5,444 illegal workers, the vast majority being visitors who had breached their conditions of stay.
illegal workers are fined and/or jailed before being sent back to their places of origin. Their employers are also liable to be prosecuted.
Deportation and Removal
The department processes deportation and removal orders. During the year, 572 people convicted of offences punishable with imprisonment of not less than two years were recommended for deportation and 427 were deported, meaning they are prohibited from returning. Another 1,066 were removed from Hong Kong, comprising 400 illegal immigrants, 623 people who had breached their conditions of stay and 43 people who were refused entry.
Investigation and Prosecution
The department lays charges concerning immigration offences, including remaining illegally in Hong Kong, breaching conditions of stay, making false statements or representations, and using or possessing forged travel documents. Illegal immigrants or persons subject to removal or deportation orders are prohibited under section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance from taking employment, whether paid or unpaid.
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