TNAG-1071-FCO40-1321-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-in-other--1981 — Page 25

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Our Ref.: VR/MISC

Your Ref.: RDI/81 13/26/14

24th March, 1981

PA

Resettled Vietnamese Refugees

Wishing to Return to Hong Kong

I promised to let you know when I have had advice from Hong Kong. This has now come in and generally concurs with what I said when you called me for a preliminary view.

Refugees arriving in Hong Kong from Vietnam are granted (after receipt of UNHCR guarantees of maintenance and resettlement) first asylum pending resettlement overseas. Their temporary stay in Hong Kong, however much it may be prolonged, gives then no entitlement to residence there. Once they have been resettled overseas, refugees are regarded as permanent residents of their new countries, and can qualify subsequently for entry to Hong Kong only in accordance with normal Hong Kong immigration policies.

As Vietnamese refugees are thoroughly screened by the UNIICR, overseas consular staff and the Government in Hong Konˇ, 10 is most unlikely that any refugee, once resettles, would qualify for entry to Hong Kong for residence. As you would understand, our policies have to be very strict in view of the already high density of dong 104's vonulation, and entry of Vietnamese is limited to Immediate family members only,

wives

and young,

indent chilcon.

I trust that clarifies Hong Kong Government's stand on this matter, were it ever to arise.

J.S. Page, Esq.,

Voluntary Services Unit,

Home Office,

Queen Anne's Gate,

London SW1H 9AT.

It was/...