ENG-2001 — Page 411

PUBLIC ORDER

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

During the year, strict measures were taken to guard against the use of forged travel documents. Officers detected 3 148 forged travel documents during the year, compared with 3 250 in 2000. Frequent contacts with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates were maintained. Special operations were mounted against forgery syndicates.

Interception of Wanted Persons

In 2001, 191 467 wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. They were suspected to be connected with trafficking in dangerous drugs and other criminal offences such as murder and robbery.

Illegal Immigration and Unlawful Employment

In 2001, 8 896 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated, compared with 9 592 in 2000.

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 2001, 2 896 operations were conducted and 7 841 illegal workers were arrested, compared with 2 080 operations and 5 715 arrests in 2000.

The illegal workers were prosecuted and either fined or jailed before being repatriated to their places of origin. Employers of illegal workers were also prosecuted and fined and, in serious cases, imprisoned. In 2001, 310 employers of illegal workers were prosecuted, compared with 305 in 2000.

Deportation and Removal

The Immigration Department processes deportation and removal orders. During the year, 8184 persons convicted of possessing or trafficking in dangerous drugs, deception, theft, forgery and other criminal offences were considered for deportation and 705 were deported. Another 1511 were removed from the HKSAR under removal orders. These included eight illegal immigrants and 1 503 people who had breached their conditions of stay.

Investigation and Prosecution of Immigration Offences

During the year, 23 929 charges were laid against persons who had committed various immigration offences. These included remaining in the HKSAR illegally, breaching 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 9 285 staff comprises 8 575 uniformed and 710 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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