The Immigration (Unauthorised Entrants) (Amendment) Order 2016 was gazetted today to declare persons resident or formerly resident in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia or Sri Lanka as "unauthorised entrants".
Those who arrange or assist the passage of unauthorised entrants or their remaining in Hong Kong are liable to up to 14 years’ imprisonment and a $5 million fine.
The Security Bureau said tough enforcement is key to containing the number of non-refoulement claimants, adding that non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants make up more than half of them.
The amendment is in tandem with the stepping up of enforcement powers and toughening penalties against the smuggling of these illegal immigrants.
Section 37B of Part VIIA of the Immigration Ordinance empowers the Chief Executive in Council to declare by order any class or description of persons not enjoying right of abode or right to land under section 2AAA of the ordinance as unauthorised entrants.
The order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 25.
