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VMs to return to Vietnam
About 220 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) will shortly be returned to Vietnam under the Orderly Repatriation Programme, a government spokesman said today (Friday).
"The two flights will take place over the next two weeks," he said.
The bulk of those to be repatriated were in the South Section of the High Island Detention Centre.
Yesterday (Thursday) morning, the names of those selected for return were announced in the camp. The VMs concerned were counselled by Correctional Services Department staff to come forward for transfer to Victoria Prison. One hundred and thirty of them chose to do so.
The spokesman said the remaining VMs came out of the camp this morning. A major transfer operation was therefore not necessary.
Commenting on these developments. the Refugee Co-ordinator. Mr Brian Bresnihan, said he was very pleased that a confrontation was avoided.
"We are determined to repatriate the VMs in our camps as soon as possible. In this case, those selected for return have clearly understood our resolve and that nothing would be gained by resistance," he said.
End
Monitors' Report submitted to CS
The monitors appointed to observe this (Friday) morning's transfer of Vietnamese migrants (VMs) selected for the Orderly Repatriation Programme from the High Island Detention Centre to Victoria Prison have submitted their report to the Chief Secretary today.