CODE 18-77
CONFIDENTIAL
243/1
Reference
PA
ང་
NOTE FOR FILE ON DUTY VISIT TO HONG KONG
1.
Visited Chi Ma Wan Closed Centre and Jubilee Open Centre (un by Caritas) with Mr Leeks, PAS (Refugees), Security Branch.
2.
Chi Ma Wan has a population of almost 3,000. Run by Correctional Services Department (CSD), but only about 30 of staff of 352 are regular CSD personnel, including escorts and drivers. Small number of welfare officers, teachers and hospital staff: the rest are temporary staff specially recruited by CSD for refugee work and given two-week induction training in this (no other CSD training is provided for regular staff). They operate under Cap 115 and closed camp rules, and are paid on same basis as CSD staff. Surprisingly, not much turnover.
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3. Closed centre is two parts original prison and Nissan huts built in 1979. Basic facilities, but some open space and surprisingly relaxed atmosphere (despite ''Good Morning Sir'' at sight of superintendant!) Refugees involved in eg cooking, teaching, haircutting, for which they receive credit which can be used for purchases or paid to them on departure. General impression is of a smoothly run organisation, given all the circumstances. But warnings of possible difficulties on 30 April (anniversary of fall of Saigon).
4. Jubilee Camp is located in a very old, almost derelict, building (previously used as Government processing centre). Centre's staff very enthusiastic and gradually introducting new ideas and services (eg formation of camp Committee, segregation of parentless children in group home, community rooms). But generally a rather depressing atmosphere.
5. Other points from discussions with Mr Leeks:
(a) closed centre rules under review and will be forwarded to FCO
soon;
(b)
(c)
6.
can we persuade UNHCR to be more receptive to idea of voluntary repatriation and even to suggest it to new arrivals? Viz recent case of old lady returned to Vietnam;
statistics - rise of 800 in open camp figures in October 1982 due, as suspected, to transfers of pre-July arrivals and ex- China cases from reception centres.
Mr Jeaffreson, Secretary for Security, placed great emphasis on the need for action in this area. He said that the door must be shut: for the most part, they were no longer political refugees and resettlement countries, who all had problems of their, could not be expected to help. He though FCO was ''wet'' on repatriation, and hoped that the 5- country approach would get underway soon. There is increasing evidence that closed camps are not deterring potential refugees.
10 May 1983
JF Hoare
HKCK 2431
LU IN neve
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
CONFIDENTIAL
1
Men
18F12/5