VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG
file
еко 248/8
RECEIVED NA
i.
18 OCT 198
DEFICEN
871
GENERAL
PA
Ken
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- Always made it clear we will continue to deal with this problem in
a humane way.
NEED FOR NEW POLICY
New policy for new situation. Arrivals increased dramatically this year. Now 25,000 boat people in Hong Kong compared with low of 8,000 last year. Most new arrivals not genuine refugees, virtually no hope of resettlement elsewhere. Policy of treating all as refugees had become untenable.
EFFECT OF NEW POLICY
New policy introduces screening in accordance with UNHCR guidelines. Genuine refugees will continue to be accommodated in Hong Kong pending resettlement elsewhere. Non-refugees will be
returned to Vietnam.
CONSULTATION WITH UNHCR
Close consultation with UNHCR on all aspects of the new policy, and to ensure screening meets UNHCR requirements. UNHCR may monitor screening, assist in appeals, have access to all boat people.
RESTRICTED
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