TNAG-0664-FCO40-813-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 5

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CONFIDENTIAL

3.

機密

8.

During November 2 local residents were convicted of aiding and abetting the entry of illegal immigrants from China. They were sentenced to 8 and 9 months imprisonment respectively.

9.

26 bodies, believed to be those of illegal immigrants drowned whilst attempting entry were recovered from the sea during the month (1 in the southern sector, 19 in the western sector and 6 in the northern sector).

10.

The cumulative total of illegal immigrants arrested by or surrendered to the Police and the Army since 1 January 1968 is now 31,445. The yearly totals are as follows:-

% increase/decrease over previous year

Year

-Total

1968

2,444

1969

1,273

1970

1,676

1971

-3,467

47.9% decrease

31.7% increase 106.9% increase

1972:

5,686

1973-

6,057.

64.0% increase 6.5% increase

1974 del blown 7,150

18.1% increase

62-1975

25 cms 1,173

1976

838

83.6% decrease

28.6% decrease

1977 (Jan-Nov) 1,681

Since repatriation to China commenced on 30 November 1974, the figures so far

11.

are:-

3,894 3,829

62

1

2

12

apprehended

returned

allowed to stay

awaiting a decision.

escaped (1 from Ta Ku Ling, the other from

Lok Ma Chau Police station)

The figure of illegal immigrants interviewed and accepted as having evaded controls since 30 November 1974 is 15,740. The ratio of interceptions against evasions is now 1:4.04.

Macao

12.

22 illegal immigrants were referred to this department by the Marine Police during the month. 16 were repatriated to Macao and the other 6 are still being processed. In addition, 2 illegal immigrants who were arrested by the Police in previous months were also repatriated to Macao in November.

13.

In the early morning of 27 November, 16 illegal immigrants were arrested by the Marine Police on board an unnumbered motorized junk off Tap Shek Kok. 3 men suspected to be snake-heads were seen to jump overboard. 1 was later picked up by the Police and the other 2 were believed to be drowned. The man was prosecuted for aiding and abetting and the case will be heard on 28 December. An application for forfeiture of the junk is under process. 14 of the illegal immigrants were repatriated to Macao at the end of November and the remaining 2 were held to act as Crown witnesses during the trial.

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CONFIDENTIAL

機密