RESTRICTED
-2-
d)
have instructed the provinces to accelerate the processing of candidates for emigration under the Programme. A conference is due to be held with provincial administrators soon at which improvements in procedures will be discussed.
The departure of those with professional qualifi- cations e.g. science teachers is normally "postponed". The first essential for people in this category who wish to join relatives abroad, and possess entry visas, is to obtain permission from their immediate superiors to leave their job. This will not be granted until a replacement is found.
This may take some time in the light of Vietnam's shortage of trained personnel. Only when this precondition is met can an application be made for an exit visa.
3. A lengthy debate took place during the meeting on Tuyen's figures for those holding exit and entry permits. The UNHCR representative here, Mohamed Bouadin, pointed out that, according to UNHCR's records, 17,000 entry visas had already been issued to Vietnamese wishing to join relatives in Western Europe, excluding France. If this estimate was correct, and if Tuyen's figure for those with entry visas to the United States (20,600) was also accurate, the total number of those with entry visas must be far more than 35,000. Tuyen replied that his figures excluded those who also had exit visas but had not yet left Vietnam. The overall total of 35,000 was also, of course, constantly in flux. (This perennial debate will no doubt continue until the last Vietnamese entitled to leave under the Orderly Departure Programme has climbed the gangway at Tan Son Nhut.)
cc:
A D Conyard Esq
MVD
CM Long Esq
UKMIS GENEVA
Chanceries: WASHINGTON
BANGKOK
Your
Mizhub
ME Pike
PARIS
į
RESTRICTED