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.
64. Pay rises for junior officers were announced in September and led to a welcome increase in the number of people applying to join the Police Force. Smaller rises for senior police personnel were likewise announced in December.
XIII.
Conclusion
65. 1990 saw a slow but steady return to normality after the difficulties of 1989. It was also a significant year from the constitutional and political point of view, as the Basic Law was promulgated and the territory began to prepare for the first direct elections to the Legislative Council. At this crucial juncture, the Government remain fully committed to their obligations to Hong Kong under the Joint Declaration and will continue to do all they can to ensure a prosperous and stable future for the territory and its people.
Printed in the UK by HMSO
2022 Dd 0101527 C10 1475/1 4/91 3208314 19542
ISBN 0-10-115272-8
9780101152723"
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