TNAG-0802-FCO40-1006-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 265

CONFIDENTIAL

3

llegal immigration from China

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During May 1978, 295 illegal immigrants were arrested compared with 308 last month.

5.

6*

Of these 295 arrested, 28 were land crossers, 196 bay crossers and 11 sea crossers. Most of them were between 16 - 25 years of age. All were processed at Ta Ku Ling. Consequently 280 were repatriated during the month, none was allowed to stay and the remaining 15 were awaiting a decision. In addition, 4 illegal immigrants arrested in April were repatriated to China in May. The highest number of illegal immigrants arrested on any one day during the month was 24 on 11 May.

:

7.

10 local residents were prosecuted for aiding and abetting 11 illegal immigrants from China. Of these, 4 were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 6 to 9 months, 1 was sentenced to a fine of $500 and 3 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 1 was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment suspended for 1 years, 2 were sentenced to a fine of $1,000 and the remaining 2 were remanded until 23 June 1978 for trial. In addition, 3 aiders and abettors arrested in April were fined $500 - $700 plus a 3 - 6 months suspended sentence on 31 May.

8.

10 bodies, believed to be those of illegal immigrants drowned whilst attempting entry, were recovered from the sea during the month (5 in the eastern sector, 2 in the western sector, 1 in the southern sector and 2 in the northern sector).

9.

The cumulative total of illegal immigrants arrested by or surrendered to the Police and the Army since 1 January 1968 is now 32,724. The yearly totals are as follows:-

% increase/decrease over previous year

Year

Total

1968

2,444

1969

1,273

47.9% decrease

1970

1,676

31.7% increase

1971

3,467

106.9% increase

1972

5,686

64.0% increase

1973

6,057

1974

7,150

1975

1,173

6.5% increase 18.1% increase 83.6% decrease

1976

838

28.6% decrease

1977

1,815

116.6% increase

1978 (Jan-

1, 145

124.5% increase

·May)

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

5,173

apprehended

5,076

returned

80

allowed to stay:

15

LAN

awaiting a decision

2 escaped (1 from Ta Ku Ling, the other from

Lok Ma Chau Police Station)

/10..

CONFIDENTIAL ##

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