ABCACQ
(ii) VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
(i)
GENERAL
Understand and share concern of Hong Kong people about boat
people problem.
solution.
burden.
Problem is a complex and difficult one. No quick or easy
But we are doing all we can to alleviate Hong Kong's
(ii) WHAT IS HMG DOING TO HELP HONG KONG?
We have given our full support in all the relevant international fora to Hong Kong's new policy of screening.
We have held two rounds of talks with Vietnam about
repatriation of those screened out as non-refugees. Have achieved agreement on need for comprehensive arrangements for all those screened out, beginning with return of volunteers.
In response to UNHCR's recent appeal, that HMG is making a pledge of 1 million Hong Kong dollars towards the budget for this initial repatriation programme.
We announced in October a contribution of £1 million in
support of the work of UNHCR in Hong Kong. I announced yesterday that a further £1 million has been earmarked for UNHCR's operations
here.
We have doubled our intake of refugees from Hong Kong: We have announced our readiness in principle to take an additional 1,000 boat people over the next 2-3 years, ie to double current rate of intake, provided other countries undertake to resettle
substantial additional numbers too.