DURABLE SOLUTIONS
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Resettlement alone is not the answer to Hong Kong's refugee problem. The orderly departure programme offers one mechanism to reduce the pressure for illegal departures. We are pleased that this programme has restarted. In 1987 over 160 Vietnamese arrived in Britain under the programme.
However there is no doubt that the long-term solution to the problem lies in the creation of acceptable conditions in Vietnam to enable the return to Vietnam of those whose reason for leaving is essentially economic. This is a view which is increasingly shared by other governments. We are in contact with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and with the main resettlement countries on this question. There is now active international discussion of the possibility of returning to Vietnam under suitable safeguards those who do not meet the criteria of refugees.
CONTACT WITH VIETNAM
Refugee issues
We maintain regular diplomatic contact with Vietnam. are naturally one of the topics discussed. So far I have to say that there has been no indication of willingness on the part of the Vietnamese authorities to accept back those who have left, other than on a very limited case by case basis. It will not be easy to reach acceptable and agreed arrangements covering those who are not regarded as genuine refugees.
The problem will not be solved quickly. But we have detected a growing international recognition of its nature. We hope that this change in international perceptions will result in the kind of arrangements we are seeking. We shall continue to play an active part in international discussions on the issue, in full recognition
of our special responsibility for Hong Kong.
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