Illegal Immigration

The number of illegal immigrants (IIs) from China has been declining
since 1993 at a yearly rate of approximately 15 per cent. In 1997, 17 819
IIs were arrested, an average of 49 per day, representing a decrease of
23.1 per cent from 23 180 in 1996. The number of IIs arrested for crimes
was also declining. The Police arrested 1 043 IIs for various criminal
offences in 1997, which represented a decrease of 31 per cent from
1 505 in 1996, and was the lowest since 1992. Despite the downward
trend, 2 222 minor IIs were arrested compared with 754 in 1996. Most
had surrendered to the Immigration Department arguing that their parents'
permanent resident status entitled them to the right of abode in Hong Kong
under Article 24 of the Basic Law. This increase was halted with the
introduction of legislation in July regulating the legal entry of these
minors.

Action against illegal immigration is one of the Force's top priorities.
Anticipating a major influx of IIs before and after the transfer of
sovereignty, the Force embarked on close and regular liaison with its
counterparts in Guangdong Province. Apart from setting up an enhanced
intelligence exchange network and increased publicity, a large-scale
co-ordinated sea exercise was mounted in May.

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