The top legislature has begun discussing a draft law aimed at cracking down on foreigners illegally entering, working or staying on the mainland.
The law will also set out how qualified foreigners can secure permanent residency.
Xinhua reported yesterday that in a bid to settle the thorny and lingering issue of illegal aliens, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress yesterday discussed a draft law that would enable law enforcement agencies to detain suspects and examine their cases.
Deputy Public Security Minister Yang Huanning , who briefed the lawmakers, said: 'Practically speaking, quite a number of foreign suspects who are not in possession of legal documents refuse to give their real names and that's why police have sought legal support for much-needed investigation, which usually takes time.'
Apart from authorising detention, the law would also give agencies the power to repatriate offenders.
Foreigners who work illegally would be fined between 5,000 yuan and 20,000 yuan (HK$6,000 to HK$24,300) and might be detained for up to 15 days for serious violations. Those who illegally provide job-placement services for foreigners or illegally employ them would be also fined.
Once expelled, they would be barred from returning for five years.