ENG-2000 — Page 393

PUBLIC ORDER

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

Strict measures were taken to guard against the use of forged travel documents. Officers detected 3 250 forged travel documents during the year, compared with 3 530 in 1999. 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 2000, 172 756 wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. They were suspected to be connected with trafficking of dangerous drugs and other criminal offences such as murder and robbery.

Illegal Immigration and Unlawful Employment

In 2000, 9 592 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated, compared with 13 262 in 1999.

Illegal workers comprised mainly illegal immigrants and visitors who breached their conditions of stay. The Immigration Task Force conducted frequent checks at targeted locations, including construction sites, factories, restaurants and other places of employment. In 2000, 2 080 operations were conducted and 5 715 illegal workers were arrested, compared with 1 377 operations and 4 314 arrests in 1999.

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, imprisoned. In 2000, 305 employers of illegal workers were prosecuted, compared with 393 in 1999.

Deportation and Removal

The department processes deportation and removal orders. During the year, 6 963 persons convicted of possessing or trafficking in dangerous drugs, deception, theft, forgery and other criminal offences were considered for deportation and 540 were deported. Another 1 360 were removed from the HKSAR under removal orders. These included 26 illegal immigrants, mostly from the Mainland, and 1334 people who had breached their conditions of stay.

Investigation and Prosecution of Immigration Offences

During the year, 23 632 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 travel documents.

Fire Services

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

The department's establishment of 9 302 staff comprises 8 499 uniformed and 803 civilian members. It is one of the world's finest fire brigades, with well-trained personnel, advanced communication systems, and modern equipment and appliances.

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