TNAG-0945-FCO40-1164-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 114

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ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA TO HONG KONG

PROBLEM

1.

Numbers of illegal immigrants reaching Hong Kong still

very high. Daily average between 400 and 500.

society and economy.

NEW POLICY

Strain on

2. Therefore agreed by Governor and HMG that policy of allowing

immigrants who reach urban areas to remain in Hong Kong should

be ended.

3.

New measures (end-October).

Main points:

a) all illegals who are found to be returned;

b) unlawful to employ people without identity cards;

c) initial amnesty to avoid sending back too many

people already in Hong Kong.

NEED FOR CHINESE HELP

4.

New measures will create serious difficulties for Hong Kong

(opportunities for corruption, strain on police). Success

therefore essential. Will depend on Chinese help in:

a) making clear to people in Guangdong that there is

now no point in trying to reach Hong Kong; and

b) increasing interception operations on the Chinese

side of the border.

MEETING OF THE TWO GOVERNORS

5. Governor of Hong Kong has asked to meet Governor of

Guangdong on 20 October to discuss implementation of new measures.

Governor Xi's assistance vital.

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6.

Essential to maintain strict secrecy before new measures

are implemented to avoid a rush of people to Hong Kong.

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