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16. The scheme will be operated in two tranches. A total
applications were received by the deadline of 28
of
February 1991 for places under the first tranche. These
applications are now being processed. A second tranche will
be reserved for allocation nearer to 1997 in order to cater
for those who will by then have moved into key positions and
to give anyone who failed to secure a place in the first
round on second chance.
17. The scheme has had a stabilising effect on the
community and has helped to restore local confidence. It
has also acted as a catalyst, encouraging other countries to implement various insurance schemes specifically for Hong Kong people. Her Majesty's Government continued their efforts to mobilise the international community to support Hong Kong in whatever ways they could, including the introduction of schemes to give Hong Kong people the assurance of right of abode without their having to leave
the territory. A number of countries have taken action of
this kind. For example, the United States' Immigration Act
of 1990 provides for the issue of immigrant visas to Hong Kong people, while allowing recipients to defer their settlement in the United States for a number of years.
18.
There are indications that former Hong Kong residents who have acquired the right of abode overseas are returning to Hong Kong in increasing numbers. This trend is likely to accelerate given the slowdown of economic growth of many of
the destination countries. Thus although the level of departures is expected to remain high in the coming year, these recent developments provide some grounds for cautious
optimism.
V.
REFUGEES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM VIETNAM
19. There is a continuing influx of Vietnamese into Hong Kong. Although almost all of those arriving still hope to
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