TNAG-1787-FCO40-2547-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-general-1988 — Page 5

of the

three

remaining at that time, only

only 1,500 could realistically be judged to meet the resettlement criteria countries with on-going programmes for Hong Kong. At that stage, these three countries could be urged to accept this

them. 1,500 between

The remaining 2,500 could then be discussed with the UNHCR with a view to seeking the help of the remaining resettlement countries. Given the scale of resettlement of these other countries it is unlikely that they will be able to take more than 1,000 of those remaining. would leave Hong Kong with about 1,500 refugees and at stage serious consideration could be given to resettling those remaining refugees in Hong Kong and closing down the remaining open centre at Kai Tak.

This

that

14

This possibility indicates the general direction in which the situation might develop. Much will depend upon the continuing rates of resettlement and arrivals. Even if this situation were to materialise, it would take several years, after 1986, to

to reduce

our open centre refugee population

zero.

to

15

Closed Centres. With a total refugee population of about 6,000 at the end of 1986 and an open centre population of about 3,400 with 600 living outside, approximately 2,000 refugees would remain in closed centres. This is just less than half of the present closed centre population of about 4,400. If this

If this reduction were to materialise, then it would be possible, in early 1986, to close Cape Collinson Closed Centre, which holds about 360 refugees and because of its size is expensive to operate. Consideration will also be given to closing down Argyle Street Transit Centre and to release this valuable urban site for other purposes. Argyle Transit Centre is used to accommodate refugees who are about to leave Hong Kong and Ex-China cases pending their repatriation to China. The accommodation provided by Hei Ling Chau, Chi Ma Wan and Bowring Closed Centres during the remainder of 1986 would become more than adequate. And at the end of the year (and if the forecast proves correct) it would be possible to close yet another of the closed centres.

16

a

the

is Bowring Closed Centre

for possible site third university. It is required for road works in the Tuen

Mun

area.

Its

use as

a

centre

has

been closed

opposed strongly by the Tuen Mun District Board. It is suggested that plans be made to close it down. The Chi Ma Wan Closed Centre was built in 1979 as "temporary" accommodation for Vietnamese refugees. This accommodation, though adequate, is unsuitable for refugees who have to spend a considerable length of time (more than 4 years) in Hong Kong. It is proposed that during 1986, the Correctional Services Department should draw up plans for the long-term use of Chi Ma Wan Closed Centre which would be compatible with its short-term use as a refugee