TNAG-1527-FCO40-2091-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-general-1986 — Page 168

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2. GENERAL SITUATION

2.1 During the year 1985, according to statistics provided by UNHCR a total of 34,143 Vietnamese boat people were registered in the countries neighbouring Vietnam (36,117 in 1984). In the same year 1985, a total of 22,258 new arrivals were recorded, while the departures from

from countries of temporary asylum including departures to RPCS Bataan and Galang amounted to 25,198. (See Annex)

2.2 Despite the increasing numbers leaving under the "Orderly Departure Programme" the number of new arrivals seems to have diminished only slightly (1974 persons) in 1985, as compared to the previous year.

1

2.3 A tendency for refugees to wait longer in the Refugee Camps and Centres prior to their selection and final settlement has been remarked, as also, the increasing numbers of young single persons who arrived in the past years and who were considered, at that time, as unaccompanied minors.

2.4 These developments all underscore the necessity to continue

a. The existing basic health and welfare programmes, ensuring the reconstruction and/or repair particularly of the health and sanitary facilities; and

b. Enhancing and intensifying activities of an educational nature through the imparting of vocational skills and language training for adults**, while ensuring primary and secondary schooling for children.

2.5 The services to the Vietnamese Boat People are undertaken to contribute to their better integration in countries of final settlement, as also to improve resettlement prospects for those refugees who have so far been rejected.

* Vocational

training includes courses in Teaching, Typing, Tailoring, Electricity, Radio & TV, Carpentry, Auto-Mechanics, Refrigerators and Air-Conditioning.

** Language training encompasses courses in Intensive English; English as Second Language (ESL) - at three levels, and French.