TNAG-2212-FCO40-3172-Hong-Kong-annual-report-for-1990-1991 — Page 100

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59. Arrangements for mutual legal assistance in the investigation of drug trafficking and money laundering and

the seizure of drug traffickers' assets were negotiated with

three foreign jurisdictions and the United Kingdom. Hong

Kong also joined the OECD Financial Action Task Force formed

to combat money laundering.

60. At the same time that laws were toughened up to combat

serious crime, steps were taken to abolish corporal

punishment. As a result, all forms of corporal punishment

were removed from the statute books during 1990.

61. Job and economic opportunities in Hong Kong continued

to attract large numbers of illegal immigrants from China.

In 1990 a total of 27,826 illegal immigrants were

apprehended, compared with 15,841 in 1989. Of particular concern was the increase in the number of illegal immigrants

found working on construction sites.

62.

In November, the Hong Kong Government increased the

penalties for those who knowingly employed illegal immigrants, and introduced a new offence for main

contractors who allowed illegal immigrants to be present on

construction sites. As these measures take effect, the

number of illegal immigrants arrested and imprisoned is expected to decline in the course of 1991.

Given that

illegal immigrants constitute 37 per cent of the prison

population, which is already 39 per cent over capacity at present, these measures should also reduce overcrowding.

63.

In December, the police began to take over responsibility from the Army for stopping illegal immigrants from crossing the Hong Kong-China border. The Army is expected to hand over to the police full responsibility for

the control of illegal immigration on the border by the end

of 1992.

ALAAEV/20

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