RESTRICTED
HONG KONG'S CLOSED CENTRE POLICY
20.
As I am sure you know, closed centre policy was introduced
in July 1982 in an attempt to deter further boat people from
setting out from Vietnam. The measure was forced on the Hong Kong
Government by events: resettlement prospects for those in Hong
Kong's camps were deteriorating, while refugees continued to arrive. That is still the situation, and the Hong Kong
Government can therefore see no alternative but to continue the
policy at present.
21. Success of Closed Centre Policy?
No absolute proof, but Hong Kong arrival rate decreased by
38% in 1984 over 1983, compared with S E Asian regional decrease of only 17%. This suggests policy is having some effect.
22.
Legality of the Policy: Was it approved by UK Parliament?
No. It was established by Hong Kong's Immigration (Amendment) "Ordinance 1982. (The order was made by the Governor with advice
and consent of the Legislative Council, under powers conferred
by the Letter Patent and Royal Instructions. It was then
submitted to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs who decided not to disallow it.)
23.
Human Rights Aspects of Closed Centre Policy
We understand why some commentators should express concern on this score: but we regard the policy as a temporary and
regrettable necessity in the circumstances of Hong Kong.
24. If UK were to accept more refugees, should they come
from closed or open camps?
We would not feel strongly about this: the main priority from
our point of view is to set the ball rolling on resettlement and
encourage other countries to follow our lead. The Hong Kong Government might prefer the refugees to be taken since (a) those refugees have been in Hong Kong
from open camps, longest, and
RESTRICTED
/(b)
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.