TNAG-0983-FCO40-1202-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 48

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F ENTIAL FACTS

Extent of Problem of Illegal Immigration

1. At present, those who leave China without permission and are

caught before they reach urban areas in Hong Kong are returned to

China. Punishment in China remains relatively lenient. Arrangements

for repatriation were agreed at meetings between the Political

Adviser and the Guangdong Provincial Authorities in November 1974.

Illegal immigrants who evade immediate capture on entry are at

present allowed to stay in Hong Kong.

2. In 1978, over 8,000 illegal immigrants repatriated.

Figure

rose to 89,000 in 1979. The figures remain high, from 4,000 per

month in January to over 12,000 in August. Nearly 56,000 illegal

immigrants have been repatriated in the first 8 months of this year.

At least as many are estimated to have entered Hong Kong.

3. Hong Kong Garrison reinforced with additional battalion and

naval craft and helicopters. New illuminated primary border fence

is being constructed. Longer prison sentences are imposed on

organisers of illegal immigration in Hong Kong.

4. In November 1979, Chairman Hua Guofeng assured the Prime Minister

that more effective measures would be taken by theChinese. New laws

against illegal emigration by the Guangdong Provincial Authorities

probably responsible for a subsequent drop in numbers from 15,202 in

December 1979 to 4,054 in January 1980. But with a new rise in levels,

Mr Blaker spoke to the Chinese Ambassador in June. There has been

no improvement since.

Change in Policy

5.

Secretary of State has approved Governor's proposal to end

present policy of allowing those illegal immigrants who evade capture

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