In the transitional period there may need to be some special expenditure on additional security measures at the closed centres during the transitional period So that the
centre management is able to control access. There is the danger that some refugees will use the opportunity presented by general liberalisation to bring, for example, weapons and drugs into the centre. To avoid the need for personal searches, the Correctional Services
Services Department will require metal detector devices and possibly sniffer dogs to enable them to exercise adequate control. The small amount of extra expenditure required will be more than offset by the
the staff savings in Correctional Services Department.
15
Even before open centre status is reached, there will be savings for the Government as the UNHCR and the voluntary agencies gradually take over responsibilities which are at present met by Government departments. For example, the UNHCR hope to be in a position within a month or SO to be able to provide a full medical service within all of the closed centres. This will relieve the Medical and Health Department and AMS of
considerable burden and
them enable concentrate their resources on the detention centres.
a
to
PUBLIC REACTION
16
to
on
The Government's intention to liberalise the closed refugee camps was announced with the 16 June change of policy and the present proposal for an earlier than planned start to the process is unlikely in itself to create
create públic alarm. There will certainly be public concern (particularly
(particularly in Tuen Mun and Sham Shui Po) that the gradual opening of the camps be handled carefully. There will be concern that security arrangements should be adequate to prevent the new open camps becoming centres for crime and vice. Local communities can be expected
concerns express
about pressure
local services. We have already consulted the Tuen
consulted the Tuen Mun District Board (who were particularly concerned
concerned about the impact on local services) : we shall need to continue to persuade the District Board of the necessity of this move.
Some may see this move as a partial solution to the labour shortage, while others will regard the refugees as a stock of cheap labour threatening general wage levels. There is
is likely to be a positive public reaction to the major cost savings resulting from the UNHCR assuming full operational responsibility for the new open camps.
17
A positive reaction can also be expected from local humanitarian groups and voluntary agencies which have been lobbying for
of liberalisation
the camps. Similarly, the international relief agencies and humanitarian
including the UNHCR, will welcome the groups,
a
gradual
move.
The