FACT SHEET
These statistics were issued by the Hong Kong government in February 1988. (Appendix A)
Refugee population on 1 February 1988:
of which
in closed camps:
in open camps:
9,773
6,826
2,947
ARRIVALS
Vietnamese arrivals in Hong Kong reached their peak in 1979.
Numbers began to drop off in 1981, but the last two years have seen an upturn. Since 1985, the number of Vietnamese arriving in Hong Kong has grown an average 76 per cent per year.
The trend seems set to continue. In January 1988, 358 refugees arrived, versus 155 in the same period in 1987.
The government predicts that about 10,500 people will be in the colony's closed camps awaiting resettlement by the end of 1988.
Camp population is also increased by women giving birth. In 1987, 320 children were born within the closed camps. Five people died.
DEPARTURES
Although arrivals are on the increase, fewer people are being accepted for resettlement by third countries.
2,212 Vietnamese people left the closed camps in 1987, against 3,816 the previous year, a drop of 42 per cent.
10 per cent of refugees in Hong Kong camps have awaited resettlement for over 7 years, 43 per cent for over 3 years.
The United States, Canada, Australia and Britain, between them took 79 per cent of refugees resettled in 1987.
Hong Kong itself offers 20 local resettlement places per month.
FUNDING
The cost of accomodation, feed, clothing and security for people in the closed camps is borne by the Hong Kong government.
food
The UNHCR and aid organisations contribute to education and other welfare programs. Total funding for refugees in Hong Kong since 1979 is as follows:
Hong Kong government
UNHCR
Welfare organisations
44.1 million
US$ 10.8 million
US$ 101.8 million US$
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