THE high number of illegal immigrants sneaking into Hongkong through Deep Bay in recent years has prompted the Government to consider closing the estuary of Yuen Long Creek.
The Government also plans to reinforce a two-kilometre border fence west of the creek.
The deputy Secretary for Security, Mr James Morris, said the action was necessary because the number crossing illegally in the first three months of this year was consistently higher than for the same period last year.
The number of illegals caught in the territory every month is expected to hit 4,000 this summer - the highest in 12 months.
In the first three months, 9,290 were arrested, 40 per cent more than last year's quarterly total.
Although co-operation with China was good and illegal immigrants were repatriated upon arrest, Mr Morris said it was difficult to control the influx.
