TNAG-0906-FCO40-1116-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 113

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and 79,000 have done so so far this year.

Counter-measures

7.

In the face of the great increase in illegal

immigration from China, the security forces deployed on

anti-illegal immigration duties have been reinforced.

The Hong Kong Garrison has been strengthened by a U.K.

battalion, two companies of Gurkhas from Brunei, supporting

RN and Army Air Corps helicopters, two RN hovercraft and

a RN fast patrol boat. New Legislation has been introduced

to facilitate the prosecution of those who aid the abet

illegal immigrants. Visitors to Ping Chau in Mirs Bay are

now required to carry their identity cards.

8.

The Chinese authorities have also taken a number

of far-reaching measures on their side of the border to

curb illegal emigration.

9.

The net result of these efforts has been that

since the middle of June, the number of illegal immigrants

from China arrested has dropped from an average of 625 per

day in the first fortnight of June to 20 a day in July.

However, the rate of arrest has since increased to an average

of 185 per day in September up to the 20th. Moreover, there

has been a marked increase in illegal immigration from Macau

recently. In July 1979, 623 illegal immigrants from Macau

were arrested of whom 616 were recent legal and illegal

/entrants