CONFIDENTIAL
safeguards those who do not meet the criteria of refugees. 1th D
مسدس
Background and Argument
3. The 1979 Geneva Conference, held at UK initiative, resulted in a general agreement (though it is not recorded formally in any document) to confer group refugee status on
The Orderly Departure those leaving Indo-China by boat. Programme within Vietnam and resettlement from countries of first asylum have substantially reduced the scale of the problem over the years. However, over 30,000 Vietnamese await resettlement in camps in the area, of whom over 9,000 are in Hong Kong.
4. So far this year new arrivals in Hong Kong have
Departures for increased by 50% compared with 1986. resettlement have declined by 50% despite our efforts to encourage resettlement countries to follow our example of
As a result, Hong Kong's accepting a further 468 refugees.
Moreover 50% of refugee population is now increasing again. the refugee population have been in Hong Kong for more than of the new arrivals 3 years and 10% for more than 7 years. 80% are from North Vietnam, most of whom do not obviously fall within the normal international definition of refugees (ie well founded fear of persecution on grounds of race, religion or political, belief). They would more accurately be categorised as economic migrants and are increasingly
For this reason, resettlement countries recognised as such. are increasingly reluctant to take them. There is growing disquiet and frustration in Hong Kong about the problem. particular concern is the attitude of the US, whose take this year is likely to be 350 compared with the 1,300-2,000 of recent years.
Arrangements for Vietnamese refugees, are in stark contrast to those for illegal immigrants from China who are often relatives of Hong Kong people, but are usually repatriated immediately. Hong Kong is therefore pushing hard for a review of current arrangements.
of
5. Our bilateral exchanges with the Vietnamese Government
They are adamant that they will not have been unproductive. accept back even limited categories of returnees. they are prepared to concede is case by case discussion.
6.
All that
Multilateral discussions with UNHCR and key resettlement countries have so far produced a consensus that the problem of economic migrants and the solution of repatriation need to be addressed. UNHCR has undertaken to raise the matter
The UK has taken a lively part in with the Vietnamese.
these discussions and, with Australia and Canada, helped to move matters forward.
MCOABX
CONFIDENTIAL
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