BEIJING, July 25 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair asked the Chinese government Friday for help in stopping the flow of illegal workers.
His decision to raise the sensitive problem reflects serious concern within the Home Office and Immigration and Nationality Department, The London Times reported.
Blair used talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, to say that he appreciated Beijing's efforts so far to clamp down on the problem. However, he made it clear that more needed to be done and that greater cooperation was needed with British officials seeking to repatriate illegal workers.
The government has been frustrated for many years over the time it takes to reach agreement with Beijing over returning people, and in particular the difficulties in persuading China to provide travel papers.
The Australian government has an agreement with China for the return of its citizens.
