7th April 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong’s streets have seen a surge in begging activities since the resumption of normal border traffic with mainland China. According to the Security Bureau, law enforcement agencies have arrested 10 individuals for begging offences from January to March 1st this year, surpassing the total number of arrests in the past three years. Out of the 10 arrests, 8 of them were mainland Chinese residents holding double-entry permits. Between 2018 and 2022, a total of 120 individuals were arrested for related offenses, with only 7 arrests made in the past three years, from 2020 to 2022, believed to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2 of the arrested individuals being mainland Chinese residents.
Concerns over the activities of mainland Chinese beggars in Hong Kong have prompted questions from lawmakers in the Finance Committee. They inquired about methods to curb such activities. In response, the Security Bureau stated that the Immigration Department would add the information of beggars reported by law enforcement agencies to the watchlist for non-Hong Kong residents entering Hong Kong. When these individuals attempt to enter Hong Kong again, immigration officers will stop them for detailed questioning. If they fail to meet the general entry requirements, such as holding valid visas or endorsements consistent with the purpose of their visit, or if there are suspicions about the purpose of their visit, these individuals will be denied entry to Hong Kong.
Furthermore, the Immigration Department will also forward the list of mainland Chinese individuals convicted of begging in Hong Kong to the relevant authorities in mainland China for consideration in their future applications to visit Hong Kong. Other law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor begging activities in Hong Kong and investigate whether there are any manipulations by organised groups.
To address the issue of mainland Chinese beggars in Hong Kong, the Security Bureau has outlined several measures. Firstly, the Immigration Department will enhance the monitoring and enforcement of entry requirements for non-Hong Kong residents engaging in begging activities. This includes adding the information of reported beggars to the watchlist and conducting detailed questioning during the entry process. Individuals who do not meet the entry requirements or are deemed suspicious will be denied entry.
Secondly, the Immigration Department will share the list of convicted mainland Chinese beggars with mainland Chinese authorities for consideration in their future applications to visit Hong Kong. This cooperation aims to deter repeat offenders from entering Hong Kong for begging activities.
Thirdly, other law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate and crackdown on begging activities in Hong Kong, including identifying and targeting organised groups that may be manipulating such activities.
The Security Bureau emphasised that the measures are in line with Hong Kong’s laws and regulations, and are aimed at safeguarding public order and maintaining the city’s status as an international financial and business hub.
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