TIMAAJ (2)
CONFIDENTIAL
Hong Kong's screening policy
It
4. On 16 June 1988, faced with a dramatic increase in the numbers
arriving the Hong Kong Government decided, with our full support, to
introduce a policy of screening all arrivals to distinguish genuine
refugees from the rest. The screening procedure was based on the
1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol on the Status of Refugees.
was approved by the UNHCR, who agreed to monitor the arrangements.
Those screened in as refugees would join the pre 16 June arrivals
awaiting resettlement. Those who failed to meet the criteria for refugee status would be detained until suitable arrangements for their return to Vietnam could be agreed. A note on the screening
and appeals procedure is at Annex A.
Negotiating with Vietnam
5.
We and the Hong Kong Government held two rounds of talks with
Vietnam, culminating in October 1988 in agreement :
(a) that "comprehensive arrangements" for all boat people
arriving in Hong Kong after 16 June were needed;
(b) that a start with repatriation would be made with those boat
people who volunteered to go back.
The Vietnamese gave assurances that no returnees would be punished.
UNHCR agreed to monitor their treatment and reintegration into
Vietnam. In December 1988 the UNHCR and Vietnam signed a Memorandum
of Understanding about the principles and procedures for voluntary
repatriation to Vietnam.
6. The UNHCR have taken charge of practical arrangements for those
who volunteer to go back. So far 264 people have returned in this
way in three batches, in March, April and August 1989. Volunteers
receive modest reintegration assistance (to a value of about US$700
per adult). HMG have contributed US$125,000 to this programme.
Hong Kong Government have contributed an equivalent amount.
7. It has however always been clear that voluntary repatriation
The
CANDIDENGTAT