Fujian clampdown on illegal emigration

Fujian has clamped down on illegal emigration after the number of detected cases soared by more than 80 per cent last year.

The province's Public Security Bureau spokesman, Lu Shigang, said Fujian had experienced an 84.6 per cent rise in incidents compared with 1995.

An 80.7 per cent increase was also reported last year in the number of Fujianese arrested while attempting to leave the country illegally.

The number of 'snakeheads', who arranged passage for illegal emigrants, captured last year totalled 344, an increase of 25 per cent on the 1995 figure, Mr Lu said.

'We also need to strengthen publicity against the offence and educate people, especially officers, against illegal emigration,' he said. 'There are still some misconceptions in some areas where local leaders think that allowing people out will bring them wealth and benefits.' Mr Lu said more Fujianese chose to leave through ports after provincial authorities tightened controls along the coastline.

'Up to 50 per cent of the illegal emigrants arrested this year slipped out through other provinces, like Hebei and Zhejiang,' he said.