MARAAT (12)
BRIEF D: ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG UP TO 1997
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
1. GENERAL SPEAKING NOTE:
Hong Kong has been transit point for over 130,000 Vietnamese
boat people since 1975. Over 116,000 resettled. None have been
turned away.
Magificent achievement.
1987 and 1988 saw major new influx of boat people. Majority of them farmers and fishermen from North Vietnam: economic migrants rather than genuine refugees. Most did not qualify for anyone's
resettlement programmes.
Hong Kong has largest boat people population in region. Now 26,000 people in camps in Hong Kong. Highest number since 1979.
Severely increased pressure on Hong Kong's resources and community. Very sensitive issue in Hong Kong.
HMG and Hong Kong Government have been working closely together and in international fora to try to find urgent practical solution to this problem.
C
UK has already taken over 13,000 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong since 1975. Latest commitment of 1,000 is doubling of present rate of intake. A number of other countries have agreed to offer
over 4,000 additional places in 1989.
Prepcon achieved agreement on Comprehensive Plan of Action and Vietnamese acceptance of principle that all non refugees should return to their counrty of origin. Way now clear for June
International Conference to try to find durable solution.
Hong Kong's screening and repatriation policy has our full
support. Screening in Hong Kong monitored by UNHCR. Other SE Asian countries now starting to introduce similar measures.