TNAG-1527-FCO40-2091-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-general-1986 — Page 234

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CONFIDENTIAL # ?

For information

(2 July 1985)

NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

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ANNEX A

XCCI (85) 29 Copy No

2

Introduction

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

RESCUE AT

SEA RESETTLEMENT OFFERS SCHEME (RASRO)

At the meeting on 30 April 1985, Members referred to a new UNHCR resettlement scheme known at RASRO (Rescue at Sea Resettlement Offers Scheme), which came into effect on 1 May 1985. They asked for a memorandum to be prepared showing how this scheme affected Hong Kong.

2

(a)

(b)

(c)

This memorandum

describes the situation prior to the introduction of the RASRO scheme;

explains the reasons which led the UNHCR to introduce this new scheme;

describes the RASRO scheme; and

(d) explains the implications for Hong Kong.

The situation prior to RASRO

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Prior to 1 May 1985, there were two schemes in operation which dealt with the rescue of Vietnamese refugees at sea. The first was know as the Flag State Guarantee Schene and the second as DISERO (Disembarkation Resettlement Offers). RASRO replaces the Flag State Guarentee Schere, but DISERO will continue to operate alongside RAGRO.

4

whose

within

a

Under the Flag State Guarantee Scheme, the country flag is flown by a ship which rescues Vietnamese refugees at sea, is required to guarantee their resettlement specified period. This guarantee is sought by the first port of call at which the refugees are landed and, in the case of Hong Kong, the guarantee period is 90 days. Most refugees are resettled within this period. We continue to look after those still in Hong Kong at the end of 90 days until they are resettled.

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CONEWER AVAL

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