TNAG-0802-FCO40-1006-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 111

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Of these 594 arrested, 315 were land crossers, 190 bay crossers and 89 sea crossers. Most of them were between 16 - 25 years of age. All were processed at Ta Kų Ling. Consequently 535 were repatriated during the month, 6 were allowed to stay, one died and the remaining 52 were awaiting a decision. In addition, of the 20 illegal immigrants arrested in July, 1 was allowed to stay and 19 were repatriated to China in August. The highest number of illegal immigrants arrested on any one daÿ during the month was 49 on 31 August.

7.

11 local residents were prosecuted for aiding and abetting 23 illegal immigrants from China. Of these, 9 were convicted, 1 was acquitted and the remaining was remanded until September 1978 for trial. In addition, 6 cases where the local residents were prosecuted in July for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants from China were finalized in August. 4 were convicted and 2 were discharged.

8.

In the morning of 7 August, 8 illegal immigrants boarded a fishing junk at Ping Hoi, China and forced the master to convey them to Hong Kong. They were intercepted by the Police off Sai Wan in the following morning. After enquiries, the junk and her 9 crew were allowed to return to China on 9 August and all the illegal immigrants were repatriated on the same day.

9.

1 body, believed to be that of illegal immigrant drowned whilst attempting entry, was recovered from the sea in the western sector during the month.

10.

The cumulative total of illegal immigrants arrested by or surrendered to the Police and the Army since 1 January 1968 is now 34,256. The yearly totals are as follows:

% increase/decrease over previous year

Year

1963

1969

Total

2,444

1,273

47.9% decrease

· 1970

1971

13

1,676

31.7% increase

3,467

106.9% increase

1972

5,686

64.0% increase

1973

6,057

1974

7,150

1975

1,173

1976

838

6.5% increase 18.1% increase 83.6% decrease 28.6% decrease

1977

1,815

116.6% increase

1978

2,677

136.5% increase

(Jan-August)

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

apprehended

awaiting a decision

6,705

6,557

returned

92

allowed to stay

52

2

2

deceased

escaped (1 from Ta Ku Ling, the other from

Lok Ma Chau Police Station)

/11.

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