Several people-smuggling rackets operate in Hong Kong to bring South Asians to the city, police say
Illegal immigrants are shipped from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, where they are often given work as cleaners or delivery workers
Intelligence indicates that several people-smuggling rackets are operating in Hong Kong to smuggle South Asians claiming to be asylum seekers into the city, according to police.
Officers are investigating whether the syndicates are linked to the rising number of arrests of illegal immigrants from South Asian countries such as Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, as well as from Vietnam, since 2011.
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The number of non-Chinese illegal immigrants intercepted across the city rose sharply to 3,819 last year from 1,984 in 2014. Last year’s figures were the highest since 2010 and most lodged asylum claims when caught, according to police. There were 794 interceptions in 2013, 414 in 2012, 266 in 2011 and 377 in 2010.
Intelligence showed the syndicates spread rumours in their home countries to lure people to the city to find jobs, according to police.
Superintendent Andy Chan Tin-chu of the marine police regional crime unit said rumour-mongers claimed illegal immigrants would be given refugee visas in Hong Kong so they could work legally here.
“Recently, there was a rumour that the Hong Kong government would change the law and no refugee visas would be granted to illegal immigrants, who would be deported immediately,” he said.