TNAG-1786-FCO40-2546-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-closed-camp-policy-1988 — Page 5

the UNHCR would not assume responsibility for an open camp in the San Yick building, So full liberalisation (i.e. final withdrawal of Government management) will have to await a move to more suitable

but accommodation, certainly achieve most aspects of liberalisation even here.

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we can

The Cape Collinson camp is located within the perimeter of the correctional institution and full liberalisation would be impossible in situ. A programme will be devised which will provide some of the benefits of liberalisation to these refugees (e.g. education for the children) but the main elements of full liberalisation will have to await a move to more suitable accommodation.

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There are a number of

of practical difficulties to be overcome before the programmes could get underway and close liaison between the Government and the UNHCR will be essential if these are to be overcome. It will be necessary to make some minor amendments to the closed centre rules (which can be done under delegated powers). Vietnamese Refugee Identity Cards will be necessary for refugees leaving the centres for work or independent recreation. We will need to consider whether we should try initially to maintain a curfew requiring all residents to return each evening by a specified time. Security measures to prevent the trafficking of, for example, drugs, alcohol or weapons will be essential if reasonable levels of order are to be maintained in the camps. We will need to retain right to search refugees returning to

to the centres each day. We will

will need to impose rules on what consumer goods can be brought back into the cramped accommodation spaces. There may need to be arrangements for the protection of personal property and money as people are able to work and earn an income. We would want the refugees in employment to contribute towards their board and lodging. We wish to discuss with the UNHCR whether we should have arrangements under which most of a persons earnings should be held in an account pending the full opening of the camp or the resettlement of the individual. There are many other practical issues to be resolved, but given the co-operation of the UNHCR and the

the voluntary agencies we believe that reach sensible and practicable compromises quickly.

can

FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS

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The main financial implication of the early liberalisation of the closed centres is that the burden of staffing and operational costs will be shifted sooner from the Government to the UNHCR. Upon full liberalisation the UNHCR will assume operational responsibility for the centres and will meet all of the operational costs. It is estimated that the saving to the

the Government may be as much as $150 million over a full year.

CONFIDENTIAL