Police last year investigated more than 20,000 incidents in which foreigners illegally entered, lived or worked in China, a senior police officer said Wednesday.

Vice Minister of Public Security Yang Huanning made the remark while delivering a report on the administration of entry-exit, residence and employment for foreigners to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

A draft law on exit and entry administration was submitted Tuesday to lawmakers for its second reading. The draft stipulates harsher punishments for people who enter or exit the country illegally.