ENG-1983 — Page 227

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PUBLIC ORDER

Illegal Immigration During 1983, 4 671 immigrants from China were arrested while attempting to enter Hong Kong and a further 2 972 evaders were arrested after arriving in the territory. 7 698 were repatriated to China representing a 31 per cent decrease compared with 11 146 repatriated the previous year.

Although the upward trend in arrivals in 1982 continued during the first quarter of the year, the seasonal increase normally associated with the advent of the summer months did not materialise. The reduced level of illegal immigration during the last nine months of 1983 can be attributed largely to external influences. Despite the dramatic fall in arrivals following the abolition of the 'reached-base' immigration policy, there are still many persons in China who wish to come to Hong Kong and this problem continues to make considerable demands on police resources to the extent of over 1 000 officers per day.

The detection of evaders who remain in Hong Kong is primarily a responsibility of the police. Of the 2 972 evaders arrested during the year, 410 surrendered and 610 were found in possession of false identity cards. There is a demand for forged identity cards, and in this respect the effectiveness of the more secure new type of card has yet to be fully assessed. The Illegal Immigration Intelligence Bureau continued its action against organised syndicates bringing illegal immigrants into Hong Kong with the result that 67 people were prosecuted for aiding and abetting the passage of illegal immigrants.

The smuggling of minors into the territory remains a cause for concern. Most arrived with the assistance of syndicates, sometimes without the knowledge of their relatives. The number of minor illegal immigrants surfacing each month increased during the year and is still unacceptably high.

Syndicates continued to make use of speedboats to ferry their human cargoes into Hong Kong. Although mainly confined to the smuggling of minors, a two-way trade has developed in which speedboat operators smuggle merchandise to and from China. Counter measures taken by the Security Forces have contained this method of entry, but the profits involved are such that it is unlikely to be completely eradicated.

With the progressive introduction of the new Hong Kong identity card, the police have adopted a computerised checking system whereby officers on the beaf can check new cards. This, together with the completion of the border fence and protection system, is enabling the force to take more effective action against evaders as well as against illegal immigrants attempting to enter Hong Kong.

Public Order

In March, violent resistance was staged to an organised clearance of illegal structures built in a rear lane of Hang On Street, Ngau Tau Kok. Demolition workers and Police Tactical Unit personnel were attacked with poles, metal pipes and flaming, paraffin-soaked rags. The resistance was overcome and demolition was carried out as scheduled. Twenty men were arrested and charged with riot and unlawful assembly. At the conclusion of the trial held at the District Court, 12 of those prosecuted were convicted; of these, six were sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from six to nine months, while the remainder were each fined $1,000 and sentenced to three months' imprisonment suspended for one year.

Police were extensively deployed over the 1982-3 Christmas and New Year holiday period; and again during the Lunar New Year holiday, with a heavy commitment of manpower during a fireworks display in the harbour on the evening of Lunar New Year's Day. A second fireworks display was held in October to celebrate the Urban Council's