TNAG-1417-FCO40-1900-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-Sub-Committee-on-Race-Relations-and--1985 — Page 55

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close screening of refugees so as to reveal which individuals were genuine refugees and which were economic refugees. The former category would come under UNHCR auspices, while economic refugees would be dealt with according to local law. Some

might feel that a similar procedure should be adopted for Hong Kong. We come up against a problem, though, that under the terms of the 1979 Geneva Conference, all boat refugees leaving

Indo-China are categorised as refugees. Some would argue though that, where economic motivation is clearly the prime

motivating factor, there is a call for a closer examination of this basic assumption. This is an area which may need further

international study.

Should Economic migrants be repatriated?

Where the motivation for a refugee leaving a country

is predominantly economic, it is tempting to conclude that such refugees should be prime candidates for repatriation. However, in the case of Vietnam, UNHCR has not managed to elaborate any scheme for voluntary repatriation: there are effectively no volunteers and the Vietnamese Government

have shown no willingness to cooperate. [See answer to question 1]. Clearly, involuntary repatriation would be

repugnant.

Any question

rame problems,

I involuntary repatriation would move followe concerning the subsequent treatment of

those involved and the frame.

Horp's international Algations, including the understandings arising for the 1979 Bevern Conference. Under these problems could be solved

it is difficult & see how

whred

invitantang repatriation world be posible.

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