ENG-2009 — Page 397

Public Order | 325

Interception of Target or Wanted Persons

In 2009, a total of 333 308 targeted or wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. They were suspected of being connected with offences or court orders ranging from failure to settle outstanding fines on time to serious crimes.

Illegal Immigration and Unlawful Employment

During 2009, a total of 2 028 Mainland illegal immigrants were intercepted and sent back across the boundary, compared with 2 460 in 2008.

The Immigration Department set up an Anti-Illegal Workers Combat Squad in January 2005 as a nimble and robust force to combat illegal employment. Its main duties involve conducting undercover patrols at illegal worker black spots.

In 2009, a total of 5 911 illegal workers were arrested in 10 829 raids, compared with 6 141 arrested in 10 227 raids in 2008. The vast majority of illegal workers were visitors who had breached their conditions of stay.

Illegal workers were either fined or jailed before being sent back to their places of origin. Their employers were also prosecuted. In 2009, a total of 392 charges were laid against employers of illegal workers.

Deportation and Removal

The Immigration Department processes deportation and removal orders. During the year, some 7 456 people convicted of offences punishable with imprisonment for not less than two years were considered for deportation, of whom 622 were deported. Another 437 were removed from the HKSAR. They comprised 283 illegal immigrants and 154 people who had breached their conditions of stay.

Investigation and Prosecution of Immigration Offenders

During 2009, a total of 9 355 charges were laid against people who had committed various immigration offences. These included illegally remaining in Hong Kong, breach of conditions of stay, making false statements or representations, and using or possessing forged travel documents.

A new section 38AA was added to the Immigration Ordinance under the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2009, which came into effect on November 14, 2009 prohibiting illegal immigrants or persons subject to removal or deportation orders from taking up employment, whether paid or unpaid. A total of 28 people were prosecuted under the new provision in 2009.

Fire Services

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

The department has 8 948 uniformed and 641 civilian members and is one of the world's finest fire brigades with well-trained personnel, advanced communications systems, and modern equipment and appliances.