TNAG-1197-FCO40-1499-Legal-immigration-into-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 17

CONFIDENTIAL

2

BACKGROUND

1.

In 1979 and 1980 massive influx of illegal immigrants

from China put severe strain on Hong Kong's resources.

Previous policy was to repatriate only those caught when

entering Hong Kong. Since October 1980 Government have

repatriated also those who evaded capture on entry and

were caught within the Territory. Chinese have played

their part by accepting illegals for repatriation.

About

As a

2. Legal immigration from China also a problem.

150 a day enter Hong Kong, ostensibly for visits but in fact

for settlement. During 1981 proportion of one-way permit

holders (ie permanent settlers as opposed to 'visitors'

on two-way permits) increased from less than 8% in whole

of 1980 to almost 75% from November 1981 onwards.

result Chinese were asked both in Peking and in Hong Kong

in November 1981 to keep number of one-way permits down to

no more than 50%. They were also told that visitors (ie

holders of two-way permits with a fixed validity) who

overstay will if necessary be sent back. Chinese responded

on 7 September 1982 saying:

a) they had always had regard for Hong Kong's difficulties

and would continue to control number of Chinese

residents entering Hong Kong illegally;

b) they would 'improve the method' of controlling outgoing

passages by distinguishing those wishing to come for

permanent settlement from those wishing to visit relatives

in Hong Kong;

CONFIDENTIAL