TNAG-1185-FCO40-1487-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-into-the--1982 — Page 66

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.

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2. New arrivals are briefed on the poor chances of resettlement (though all are registered by UNHCR). There is 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

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 have been 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