ENG-1997 — Page 371

PUBLIC ORDER

Illegal Immigration and Unlawful Employment

In 1997, 19 584 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated, compared with 24 408 in 1996. Despite the overall decrease, the number of illegal immigrant children increased substantially from 751 in 1996 to 2 257 in 1997. The influx started in January 1997 after rumours that Mainland children born to a permanent resident parent would have automatic right of stay in the HKSAR after June 30, 1997. Enforcement action was stepped up and the influx subsided in May 1997.

Illegal workers were either illegal immigrants or visitors who breached their condition of stay. They were attracted to HKSAR to take up illegal employment. The lower wages accepted by these illegal workers encouraged unscrupulous employers to offer them employment. The Immigration Task Force conducted frequent checks at targeted locations, including construction sites, factories, restaurants and other places. of employment. In 1997, 1 897 operations were conducted and 3 992 illegal workers. were arrested, compared with 1 618 operations and 4 560 arrests in 1996.

The illegal workers were prosecuted and either fined or gaoled before being repatriated to their places of origin. Employers of illegal workers were also prosecuted and fined and, in serious cases, gaoled. In 1997, 371 employers of illegal workers were prosecuted, compared with 580 in 1996.

Deportation and Removal

The department processes deportation and removal orders. During the year, 8 169 persons who had been convicted of possessing or trafficking in dangerous drugs, deception, theft, forgery and other criminal offences were considered for deportation and 629 were deported. Another 1 668 persons were removed from the HKSAR under removal orders. These included 1 056 illegal immigrants, mostly coming from the Mainland and 612 persons who had breached their condition of stay.

Investigation and Prosecution of Immigration Offences

During the year, 22 577 charges were laid against persons who had committed various immigration offences. These included: remaining in the HKSAR illegally, breach of conditions of stay, making false statements or representations, and using or possessing forged documents.

Fire Services

The Fire Services Department fights fires, protects life and property in case of fire and other calamity, provides emergency ambulance services and gives fire protection advice to the public.

The department's establishment of 8 592 staff comprised 7 847 uniformed and 745 civilian members. It is one of the world's finest fire brigades, with well-trained personnel, advanced communication systems, and modern equipment and appliances. The department responded to 35 543 fire calls, 20 899 special service calls and 438 247 ambulance calls during 1997, representing an average of 1 200 calls a day. January was the busiest month, with six No. 3 alarm fires and more than 370 vegetation fires reported.

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