TNAG-1893-FCO40-2687-Visit-by-Francis-Maude--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1989 — Page 33

TIMAAJ (2)

CONFIDENTIAL

Hong Kong's screening policy

It

4. On 16 June 1988, faced with a dramatic increase in the numbers

arriving the Hong Kong Government decided, with our full support, to

introduce a policy of screening all arrivals to distinguish genuine

refugees from the rest. The screening procedure was based on the

1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol on the Status of Refugees.

was approved by the UNHCR, who agreed to monitor the arrangements.

Those screened in as refugees would join the pre 16 June arrivals

awaiting resettlement. Those who failed to meet the criteria for refugee status would be detained until suitable arrangements for their return to Vietnam could be agreed. A note on the screening

and appeals procedure is at Annex A.

Negotiating with Vietnam

5.

We and the Hong Kong Government held two rounds of talks with

Vietnam, culminating in October 1988 in agreement :

(a) that "comprehensive arrangements" for all boat people

arriving in Hong Kong after 16 June were needed;

(b) that a start with repatriation would be made with those boat

people who volunteered to go back.

The Vietnamese gave assurances that no returnees would be punished.

UNHCR agreed to monitor their treatment and reintegration into

Vietnam. In December 1988 the UNHCR and Vietnam signed a Memorandum

of Understanding about the principles and procedures for voluntary

repatriation to Vietnam.

6. The UNHCR have taken charge of practical arrangements for those

who volunteer to go back. So far 264 people have returned in this

way in three batches, in March, April and August 1989. Volunteers

receive modest reintegration assistance (to a value of about US$700

per adult). HMG have contributed US$125,000 to this programme.

Hong Kong Government have contributed an equivalent amount.

7. It has however always been clear that voluntary repatriation

The

CANDIDENGTAT