VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG
GENERAL
Have always made it clear we will continue to deal with this
problem in a humane way.
NEED FOR NEW POLICY
- New policy for new situation. Arrivals increased dramatically
this year.
Now 25,000 boat people in Hong Kong compared with low of 8,000 last year. Most new arrivals not genuine refugees, virtually no hope of resettlement elsewhere. Policy of treating all as refugees eligible for resettlement had become untenable.
EFFECT OF NEW POLICY
- New policy introduces screening in accordance with UNHCR guidelines. Genuine refugees will continue to have access to resettlement elsewhere. Non-refugees will be accommodated in Hong Kong while satisfactory arrangements are made for their eventual
return to Vietnam.