ENG-1986 — Page 270

IMMIGRATION AND TOURISM

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identity documents of new employees, and the gradual introduction of a more secure identity card, backed up by an efficient computer-based record system. In addition, continued efforts have been made by the security forces at the border and in Hong Kong waters, to detect and intercept illegal immigration. During 1986, an average of 46 illegal immigrants a day were arrested while entering. A further 10 illegal immigrants who had evaded detection on entry were arrested each day during the year.

The illegal immigration of children, often under conditions of great danger and hardship, continued. The numbers reporting to the Immigration Department for permission to stay averaged five a week during the first nine months of 1986, but rose to six per day in the remaining three months. Every effort will be made to stamp out this despicable and dangerous practice.

The work of the Immigration Department falls into two main streams - controlling people moving into and out of Hong Kong, and providing travel documents and registration facilities for local residents. The work embraces such diverse fields as the issue of travel documents, visas and identity cards, the processing of applications for naturalisa- tion, and the registration of births, deaths and marriages. Much effort also goes into the detection and prosecution of those who breach the immigration laws and the repatriation of those who are in Hong Kong illegally. Immigration policies are framed to limit permanent population growth, and every effort is made to streamline immigration procedures for Hong Kong residents, tourists and businessmen.

Immigration Control

The number of passengers moving into and out of Hong Kong continued to increase. Passenger traffic in 1986 totalled some 43.6 million, an increase of 6.9 per cent compared with 40.3 million in 1985. Movements to and from China, up 2.1 million from 23.6 million in 1985, showed the biggest growth, but the figures for other categories of travellers also showed increases. As a result, all immigration control points had a very busy year. The bulk of the China traffic was carried by rail via Lo Wu which remained under heavy pressure. Conditions at Lo Wu were uncomfortable for both passengers and staff because of severe overcrowding in the present temporary terminal building. This persisted in spite of an extension of operating hours. The construction of the new permanent terminal is on schedule and it is expected to open in January 1987, before the Lunar New Year holidays. Work on improved facilities at the Man Kam To crossing point was completed and the Permanent Terminal was brought into use in February. A fourth through train to Canton was introduced on April 1. Work on a new road crossing point at Lok Ma Chau is in progress but this will not be completed until the end of 1988 or early 1989.

A temporary China Ferry Terminal was opened in January, making use of the old Macau Ferry Terminal building. This temporary terminal has greatly relieved the crowded conditions at the immigration control point at Tai Kok Tsui. Work has now started on the permanent passenger terminal, which is expected to be completed in 1988.

Arrangements for residents of China to visit Hong Kong were further extended. In 1986, there were 65 600 individual visitors and 65 500 visitors who travelled in groups.

A new scheme was introduced in August to allow some former residents of China now living in Macau to visit their relatives in Hong Kong. At the same time arrangements were also made to allow a small number of wives and children of Hong Kong residents who originated from China and are now in Macau to apply for entry to Hong Kong. In the last five months of the year, some 3 021 visitors and 750 immigrants were admitted under these schemes.

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