Financial implications
26
There will, initially, be
initially, be some cost savings when the closed centre at Capte Collinson, the open centre at Jubilee and the Argyle Transit Centre are closed. Both the timing and the implications are dependent on the forecast of arrivals, births and departures. At this stage, it is not possible to make
estimates of any
financial the
implications. The Government will not offer financial assistance to the refugees to resettle in Hong Kong but, after they are resettled, they will be entitled to the s ame benefits as other Hong Kong citizens. If Members agree, 20 ethnic Chinese will be considered for resettlement in Hong Kong each month and the Immigration Department can
cope with
this workload with its existing resources.
Public reaction
27
The decision to close some open and closed centres a consequence of a reduced refugee population is likely to be welcomed.
28
The decision to accept some of the ethnic Chinese refugees for resettlement in Hong Kong is likely to provoke mixed reactions: some might resent what is seen as more favourable treatment for Vietnamese than is afforded illegal immigrants from China, especially those with families in Hong Kong; others might fear that this would stimulate a renewed exodus from Vietnam of ethnic-Chinese. The majority, however, is likely to accept the necessity of Hong Kong absorbing a small number of refugees in order to persuade other countries to continue to provide resettlement places for Hong Kong's refugees.
Publicity
29
The closure of open and closed centres will be the subject of press releases, which inevitably attract some media interest. Publicity will explain that Hong Kong frequently has opened and closed refugee centres to meet demand since 1979 and no undue emphasis should be read into them.
30
Although the proposal to accept ethnic Chinese for resettlement in Hong Kong will not be kept publicity will be initiated in order to
attracting
refugees more
secret, no the risk of
response
reduce
from Vietnam.
In
to
the
small numbers
questions, emphasis will be placed on involved and the care taken in their selection.
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