TNAG-0802-FCO40-1006-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 88

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CONFIDENTIAL

Illegal immigration from China

5.

機密

During September 1978, 987 illegal immigrants

were arrested compared with 594 last month. This is the. highest arrest figure since repatriation commenced on 30 November 1974.

6.

Of these 987 arrested, 489 were land crossers, 344 bay crossers and 154 sea crossers. Most of them were between 16 - 25 years of age. All were processed at Ta Ku Ling. Consequently 968 were repatriated during the month, 6 were allowed to stay, and the remaining 13 were awaiting

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a decision. In addition, of the remaining 52 illegal immigrants arrested in August, 1 was allowed to stay and 51 were repatriated to China in September. The highest number of illegal immigrants arrested on any one day during the month was 70 on 23 September.

7.

2 local residents were prosecuted for aiding and abetting 2 illegal immigrants from China. 1 was sentenced to 2 months imprisonment and the other was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. In addition, a local resident who was prosecuted in August for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants from China was discharged in September.

8.

7 bodies, believed to be those of illegal immigrants drowned whilst attempting entry, were recovered from the sea during the month. (1 in the eastern sector and 6 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 35, 243. The yearly totals are as follows:-

% increase/decreese 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

6.5% increase

1974

7,150

18.1% increase

1975

1,173

83.5% decrease

1976

838

28.6% decrease

1977

1,815

116.6% increase

1978

3,664

160.6% increase

(Jan-Sept)

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

apprehended

7,692

7,576

returned

99

allowed to stay

13

2

2

awaiting a decision

escaped (1 from Ta Ku Ling, the

other from Lok Ma Chau Police Station) deceased

CONFIDENTIAL

機密

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