Reasons for the change of Hong Kong's immigration policy

After 1949, Hong Kong became a safe haven for China's capital, and Britain also implemented a high land price policy in Hong Kong to maximize profits. However, due to the growing economic gap between Chinese mainland and China, people all over the country are also involved in illegal immigration to Hong Kong, especially in Guangdong Province. China and Britain have also arrested illegal immigrants at the border, but about 100 to 200 people still try to cross the border and sneak into Hong Kong every day. For security reasons, the British Hong Kong government accepted the illegal immigrants and began to develop Hong Kong industries.

1974165438+10, the hong kong government announced the implementation of the base-based policy. Illegal immigrants from China can stay in Hong Kong if they can reach the urban area after sneaking into Hong Kong. If illegal immigrants are intercepted by law enforcement officers at the border, they will be repatriated to the mainland. Therefore, the authorities have strengthened border control to reduce the chances of illegal immigrants entering the urban areas.

At that time, the situation in Chinese mainland was still turbulent, and many people still hoped to sneak into Hong Kong and live a more stable life.

The policy of reaching the base is full of contradictions. On the one hand, the Hong Kong government is worried that if people who arrive at the base are not given a way to integrate into society, they will become black market residents or black market workers, and some may even engage in illegal activities. Giving them legal residence can also alleviate the labor market that was in great demand at that time, because Hong Kong's industry, especially the garment industry, was still quite prosperous at that time. This labor-intensive industry could absorb a large number of workers, and many people could earn their own living, and many people did not need social welfare expenses such as comprehensive social security assistance.

On the other hand, the long-term policy of arriving at the base indirectly encourages Chinese mainland residents to continue to try to venture to come to Hong Kong. Smugglers who organize smuggling have become a new high-profit industry, and the younger generation along the coast can't help but be eager to try, often resulting in the loss of money and even life.

From 65438 to 0979, China began to implement reform and opening up, and the political environment became relaxed, but the illegal entry of mainland residents into Hong Kong became more and more serious. 1980101On October 23rd, the Hong Kong government announced that it would cancel the policy of arriving at the base and adopt the policy of immediate release upon arrest. Once found, all illegal immigrants need to be repatriated to the mainland.