TNAG-0894-FCO40-1104-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 50

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UNHCR Staff and Processing

5. UNHCR now have an administrative staff of five in Hong Kong with 38 interviewers and assistants (shortly to be increased to 70). On 12 July 14,333 refugees had had their personal details registered by UNHCR for presentation to third countries. UNHCR have undertaken to complete registration of all refugees in Hong

Kong by 10 August.

Employment

6.

7,200 refugees had jobs on 11 July. The average wage was about US$5.00 (£2.50) per day.

Legal Powers to deal with Trafficking in Refugees

7. At present these are:-

(a) up to 4 years imprisonment and forfeiture of any vessels

bringing excess passengers to Hong Kong

(b) up to 4 years imprisonment and fines of up to US$40,000

(£20,000) for disabling, abandoning, scuttling or beaching any vessel in Hong Kong waters.

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