place of first asylum; closed camps policy; deterioration in situation since 1987; reasons for screening/repatriation policy June 1988; liberalisation of closed camps).
UK's role and responsibility (continuing resettlement programme over 13,000 since 19754; readiness in principle to take 1,000 more; our diplomatic campaign to urge international community to do more; talks with Vietnamese on repatriation; financial support).
Emphasise our full support for Hong Kong Government's handling of immensely difficult problem: we are in very close touch with HKG about implementation of policy and are playing our full part in
search for solutions.
Future of
The way ahead: firm intention to solve problem as soon as
possible and certainly well before 1997. Need for comprehensive
arrangements agreed at international level for resettlement of
15,000 refugees in Hong Kong. UK ready to play its part.
all those screened out must lie in Vietnam. We are working for
acceptable arrangements for this (assurance, monitoring by UNHCR).
Start with volunteers. First returnees should go back very soon.
10. Emigration
A matter of genuine concern in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong authorities have taken pains to establish facts
(describe results of Task Force Study).
Conclusions: emigration trends are up. Loss of qualified
professions potentially serious but manageable at present. Present
trends must be seen against background of Hong Kong's tradition of
emigration and more liberal immigration policies of some countries.
Uncertainty about future is one factor. Some of those who leave
subsequently return.
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Far from complacent about this. Hong Kong Government
determined to make Hong Kong an attractive place to live and work. Increased emphasis on training to fill gaps left by those who leave.
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