ENG-1995 — Page 344

PUBLIC ORDER

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In line with the government's pledge to provide an open and quality service to the community, the division publishes and maintains clear performance targets and statistical data, undertakes regular consultation and briefing sessions with related departments and other concerned bodies, such as local fight crime committees, and welcomes enquiries from the public regarding any of its activities.

Immigration Department

By controlling entry to Hong Kong, the Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order. Through examination at control points and the vetting of visa applications, undesirable persons, including international criminals and terrorists, are detected and denied entry. In 1995, 17 038 such travellers and persons not in possession of proper documentation were refused permission to land and 3 764 persons were refused visas.

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

Officers detected a total of 2 660 forged travel documents during the year, repre- senting an increase of 7.9 per cent on the 2 465 detected in 1994. Strict measures were taken to guard against the use of forged travel documents by travellers, as well as illegal immigrants.

Frequent contacts with local and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates were maintained. Special operations were mounted against forgery syndicates.

Interception of Wanted Persons

In 1995, 112 991 wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. Of these, 1 099 were connected with murder cases, 2 827 were suspected robbers, 42 662 were suspected of involvement in the trafficking of dangerous drugs and 66 280 were wanted in connection with other criminal offences. In addition, 123 known or suspected terrorists were identified at points of entry.

Illegal Immigration and Unlawful Employment

Employment opportunities in Hong Kong continued to attract large numbers of illegal immigrants to the territory. The lower wages accepted by these immigrants encouraged unscrupulous employers to offer them employment. With the formation of a task force, more frequent checks were conducted at targeted locations, including construction sites, factories, restaurants and other places of employment. Illegal immigrants and visitors who breached their conditions of stay were intercepted taking up unapproved employment. In 1995, 2 160 operations were conducted, and 5 833 illegal workers arrested.

The illegal workers were prosecuted and were either fined or gaoled before being repatriated to their places of origin. Employers of illegal workers, including principal contractors in the construction industry, were also prosecuted and fined and, in serious cases, custodial sentences were imposed. In 1995, 1 170 employers of illegal workers were prosecuted.

Overall, including illegal immigrants arrested by the police or found working, 30 747 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated during the year. This figure represents a decrease of 13.5 per cent on the 35 537 apprehended in 1994.