Security chief links city’s surge in illegal immigrants to more South Asia-mainland China flights

An increase in the number of flights to mainland China from South Asia has triggered an increase in the number of illegal immigrants to Hong Kong, according to the city's Secretary for Security. Chris Tang Ping-keung said many of the immigrants, mostly from Pakistan and Bangladesh, try to claim non-refoulement status while seeking asylum. Tang told the Post on November 8, 2023, that Hong Kong is not an “attractive” place for such immigrants, since only about 1 per cent of applicants successfully gain the status which allows them free movement in the city.