3
May
2, 1989
2.3.89
The first group of
namese boat people who had asked
to return to Vietnam left Hong Kong today (March 2)
They flew back to Hanoi on a chartered flight arranged
by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
The group
accompanied on the return home by UNHOR
officials who would ensure they would not be punished and would be
treated humanely.
The voluntary returnees had earlier been issued travelling
lạ who came to Hong Kong to interview
documents by Vietnamesë
them.
In the meantime, preparations are in hand for the voluntary
repatriation of a second batch of Vietnamese (boat people who are
expected to return in April.
The repatriation programme follows the second round of
talks held in London last October between the UK/HK governments and
1
the Government of the Socia21.
Republic of Vietnam.
At the meeting, the two sides accepted the need for
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comprehensive arrangements for Vietnamese boat people arriving in Hong
Kong after June 15, 1988 who do not qualify for resettlement in other
countries. Both sides agreed to make an immediate start on pha sed phased
returns to Vietnam of those who'l 'already applied to retura.
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Hong Kong ́is' now "adopting"a"screening policy whereby Vietnamese boat people arriving in Hong Kong after June 15, 1988, are, screened to
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determine their status.