Immigration Control

The Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order by controlling entry into the HKSAR. Through examination at control points and vetting of entry applications, undesirable persons including international criminals and terrorists are detected and denied entry. In 2002, 14 588 such travellers and 6 633 other persons not in possession of proper documentation were refused permission to land, and 2 405 applications for entry were refused.

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

Strict measures were taken to guard against the use of forged travel documents. Officers detected 3 549 forged travel documents during the year, compared with 3 148 in 2001. 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 2002, 203 357 wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. These persons 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 2002, 6 545 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated, compared with 8 896 in 2001.

    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 2002, 3 580 operations were conducted and 11 990 illegal workers were arrested, compared with 2 896 operations and 7 841 arrests in 2001.

    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 2002, 383 employers of illegal workers were prosecuted, compared with 310 in 2001.

Deportation and Removal

The Immigration Department processes deportation and removal orders. During the year, 7 139 persons convicted of possessing or trafficking in dangerous drugs, deception, theft, forgery and other criminal offences were considered for deportation and 620 were deported. Another 6 526 were removed from the HKSAR under removal orders. These included 293 illegal immigrants and 6 233 people who had breached their conditions of stay.

Investigation and Prosecution of Immigration Offences

During the year, 24 704 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.