CONFIDENTIAL
4. The general rate of resettlement of Indo-Chinese refugees has fallen during the past few years even among the major resettlement countries, such as the United States (which has taken over 620,000 since 1975) Canada (120,000), Australia (110,000) and France (103,000). The fall in the off-take has been particularly marked in Hong Kong, which has the largest case load in the region (currently around 8,600), including a particularly high proportion of long stayers. Given our lack of historical ties with Indo-China, and our commitments to refugees in other parts of the world, our contribution (almost 20,000 Indo-Chinese accepted for resettlement in the UK) is a major one.
5.
For background to SCORRI undertaking, see separate brief on Hong Kong. Although directed at the exceptional problems of Hong Kong, there is scope in the undertaking for the resettlement of around 60
Indo-Chinese refugees in camps elsewhere in S E Asia. The UK has
participated in RASRO (Rescue at Sea Resettlement Offers) Scheme
since its inception in 1985. 88 resettled under the scheme so far, with a further 150 places pledged. The UK has accepted some 2,700 Vietnamese for resettlement under the ODP programme. This programme
is far from ideal in that it is based on acquiescence in people being made refugees, but it does provide a safer alternative for those who would otherwise flee by boat.
6.
Increasing attention has centred on the fact that many now fleeing do so for economic motives rather than fear of persecution (although the distinction is often blurred). To tackle this, UNHCR have helped the Thai Government to set up a programme to "screen" new arrivals from Laos. Those "screened out" are repatriated to Laos. The programme until May 1986 "screened out" over 1,000 of
4,000 arrivals. None have been able to return to Laos, however. It
appears that the Lao Government are awaiting further inducements to accept them back.
SOUTH EAST ASIAN DEPARTMENT
22 SEPTEMBER 1986
CONFIDENTIAL