Asia-Pacific News
Pakistani migrants caught in Hong Kong after sea journey from China
Nov 29, 2009, 6:36 GMT
Hong Kong - Eight undocumented migrants from Pakistan were Sunday arrested on one of Hong Kong's outlying islands after being smuggled into the territory by boat from China.
A Chinese man believed to be responsible for bringing the men to Hong Kong was also arrested as he tried to get away in a speed boat.
Hong Kong has seen a surge in refugees from southern Asia after a High Court ruling earlier this year allowed them to work in the wealthy city while their cases were considered.
The number of non-Chinese undocumented immigrants arrested in Hong Kong jumped from around 40 people a month to more than 150 a month in the wake of the ruling.
The influx was largely halted by new legislation reversing the High Court ruling which was introduced in November and followed by a roundup of undocumented migrants across the territory.
A marine police spokesman said Sunday's case was the first involving South Asian refugees since the new legislation.
There are currently more than 5,000 asylum seekers in Hong Kong, which in the 1980s and 1990s was the temporary home for thousands of Vietnamese boat people.
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