Police and Immigration officers entered 20 homes and apprehended two men and four women in an operation aimed at right-of-abode absconders.

Five of the six were overstayers, one was an illegal immigrant.

Seventy-seven officers took part in the operation which began at 7am.

A spokesman for the Immigration Department said the operation was conducted smoothly, and that law enforcement officers acted in strict accordance with the law.

More than 2,820 claimants who have lost their litigation have returned to the Mainland since the grace period expired at the end of March, 2002.

This morning's operation underscores the Government's determination and firm stance to remove the absconded right-of-abode claimants in accordance with the law.

The Immigration Department and the Police will continue to conduct the operation as and when required to repatriate illegal immigrants and overstayers, the spokesman said.

Law enforcement officers will continue to arrest people stopped on the street who are remaining in Hong Kong illegally.

The Immigration Department appeals to claimants who have lost their litigation to return to the Mainland voluntarily and to apply through legal channels to settle or visit relatives in Hong Kong.