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8. What will happen to those screened in as refugees?
Those identified as refugees will be accommodated in centres with those who arrived before the new policy was introduced.
The Hong Kong Government intend to liberalise conditions in the closed centres for refugees over the next 6-12 months.
9.
Why not end the closed camp system now?
For the time being the main concern of the authorities is to stop the flow of economic migrants. Immediate liberalisation of the camps might be interpreted in Vietnam as an amnesty and stimulate the flow of boat people. There are other practical problems involved. Many of the refugees will need time and help to adjust to
a less institutionalised environment.
10.
What will happen to those screened out as non-refugees?
Those screened out as non-refugees will be detained as illegal immigrants pending their return to Vietnam when arrangements for their return, under suitable safeguards, have been agreed with the Vietnamese authorities. They will be accommodated in closed centres
on similar lines to the existing closed centres.
11. Who will run the new closed centres? Will there be a role for
the Voluntary Agencies?
The new closed centres will be run by the Correctional Services Department of the Hong Kong Government. The Hong Kong Government do not intend that the voluntary agencies should be involved in them.
Conditions in the new closed centres will be similar to the previous closed centres. They will be as humane as possible under the circumstances. The Correctional Services Department will run workshops and provide facilities for training and recreation. Families will not be split up.
Children will have access to
recreational facilities.
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