The GBDB officials later visited the Marine Regional Headquarters and looked at the sea routes taken by illegal immigrants sneaking into Hong Kong.

Accompanied by Acting New Territories North Regional Commander David Thomas, the GBDB delegation visited the Border District on the second day of their visit.

They toured along the boundary fence to get an in-depth understanding on the situation of illegal immigration at the land boundary and Police facilities for detecting IIs.

Mr Ng said that during the meeting with the delegation, both parties discussed the illegal immigration situation in their respective areas, and on how to strengthen the exchange of intelligence to enhance the fight against illegal immigration by land and sea. Other issues included women sneaking into Hong Kong to engage in prostitution.

He stressed that there was no negative effect nor indication that the number of IIs intercepted at the boundary was on the rise since the Court of Final Appeal ruling on the right of abode issue.

"Police will always remain vigilant on the development of the matter and have adequate manpower and equipment to tackle any incidents that may occur at the boundary or in Hong Kong waters," he said.

Mr Zhang also maintained that the GBDB had the ability to prevent Mainland residents from entering Hong Kong by illegal means and pledged that both sides would maintain close co-operation in their joint effort to combat illegal immigration.