CONFIDENTIAL
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES : ESSENTIAL FACTS
PRESENT SITUATION
1.
Since 2 July Hong Kong have confined new arrivals of Vietnamese boat people in closed camps where they are not
allowed to work. In 1982 Hong Kong has attracted an unusually
high proportion of boat people in the region. Resettlement
opportunities have diminished, especially in the USA where a
much smaller quota and stricter criteria has been announced.
the beginning of November the number of refugees awaiting
resettlement in Hong Kong had risen from under 10,000 in April
to 12,731 - the largest number in the region.
2.
There is
By
New arrivals are briefed on the poor chances of
resettlement (though all are registered by UNHCR).
some evidence that word has got back to Vietnamese villages.
There was a seasonal decline in arrivals this autumn but
resettlement places have also dwindled. Not yet clear whether
the closed camp policy, as introduced in Hong Kong, will be
sufficient to deter the refugees who would otherwise be expected
next summer. Resettlement cuts may eventually be a more
effective deterrent, but while that takes effect, countries of
first asylum such as Hong Kong will have to take the strain.
UK POLICY
-
-
have been
3. In 1979 HMG declared a quota of 10,000 boat people from
Hong Kong to be resettled in the UK. To date 16,500 including
dependants and those rescued by British shipping
resettled here. The quota was filled at the end of last year and family reunification criteria were also tightened. But
there remain 2,000 dependants cleared for entry waiting in Vietnam for exit visas, and ship rescues will be a continuing responsibility.
CONFIDENTIAL
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