TNAG-1089-FCO40-1339-Illegal-immigration-from-China-to-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 136

BY BAG

布政司署

香港下亞畢道

本署檔號 OUR REF.: SCR 3/2091/55

CONFIDENTIAL

72

GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

來函檔號 YOur Ref.:

P J Williamson Esq HK&GD

FCO

Dear Patrick,

IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA

Hick 3411

RECEIVED IN REDASTRY NO. 51 2 8 JUL 1981

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DESK OFFICER

INDEX

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PA

No Mas

REGISTRY Action Takan

Achy Pay 2317

17 July 1981

Mr. Start

Mr

McQue

Me Lift Of

1. This

avery

Letter

Λ

Мад

useful summary

I attach a copy of a useful summary on immigration from China prepared for today's meeting of the GSC. The picture on illegals is really more encouraging than we expected. There has been no increase in the warmer months which have in the past seen a rise in numbers attempting to enter Hong Kong. Although syndicates continue in operation and false identification cards are used, the Police have had considerable success in their counter measures. Furthermore, a number of sweeps in areas where evaders might be expected have so far not revealed any evidence of a large underground population.

2.

There

Legal immigration continues to be of considerable concern. There has been no reduction in numbers arriving nor in those returning at the end of their 'visit'. are also a disturbingly high number of single permits being issued and, apart from Guangdong Province, most return permits continue to be valid for periods well in excess of three months despite Chinese assurances last October that steps would be taken to limit the period of validity to three months.

2447

cc w/enc

RN Peirce Esq PEKING

AR Paul Esq

FED FCO

Yours ever,

I ain

(I C Orr)

CONFIDENTIAL