TNAG-0984-FCO40-1203-Immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 68

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UNCLASSIFIED

GUIDANCE TELEGRAM

XXX

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HONG KONG:

MEASURES TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

1. On 23 October the Hong Kong Government introduced new

measures to combat illegal immigration from China whereby

all illegal immigrants will be repatriated.

It will be

compulsory to carry proof of identity. The employment of

illegal immigrants and of people without adequate proof of

identity will be an offence carrying heavy penalties.

Line to Take

2. The large influx of illegal immigrants (estimated:

110,000 in 1979, 68,000 since January 1980) into already

densely populated territory, has threatened Hong Kong's

stability, undermining economy and social services. The

annual rate of population growth has more than doubled from

an average of 2% during 1971-77, to more than 5% in 1979.

The natural growth rate is 1.2%. The Hong Kong Government

has therefore strengthened existing measures with HMG's

full approval.

Additional Points

3. Since 1974, immigrants who were caught attempting to

enter have been returned to China. These measures and the

existing 'touch base' policy whereby illegal immigrants who

succeeded in evading the security forces on both sides of

UNCLASSIFIED

/the