CANBERRA is to send diplomats to warn mainland boat people they are not welcome in Australia, as concern grows over an alarming new migration trend linked to Hong Kong syndicates.
The diplomatic offensive comes after the arrival on Australian beaches of 154 illegal immigrants from villages in the Fujian province in the past two months.
Police investigations in Australia have indicated that the syndicates luring mainlanders to board the boats have bosses in Hong Kong.
Crime-busters in the SAR have contacted their Australian counterparts to see if Hong Kong was 'playing a pivotal role'.
The diplomats will deny the truth of rumours spread by 'snakeheads' of a jobs bonanza at the Sydney Olympics next year and of an amnesty for illegal migrants to celebrate Australia becoming a republic.
An Australian official said representatives would soon be sent from Beijing to meet officials in Fujian.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer told the Chinese media in Beijing on Tuesday that any illegal immigrants apprehended by authorities would be returned 'pronto'.
