TNAG-1905-FCO40-2709-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 396

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Provisions for return, reception and reintegration

18.

The basic provisions for the return, reception and reintegration of voluntary repatriants would be in accordance with those outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the Government of Viet Nam and UNHCR on 13 December 1988. These provisions cover such areas as the establishment and transmission by UNHCR of individual dossiers for applicants for voluntary repatriation, medical processing prior to return, the issue of travel documents by the Vietnamese authorities, and co-operation in informing prospective returnees of procedures and guarantees. The time-frame foreseen for the approval of applications by the Vietnamese authorities is three months, with travel to follow within one month hereafter.

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Reception facilities for returnees are foreseen in Hanoi and Ho-Chi-Minh City, with expansion envisaged as the number of returnees increases. The period of transit in such facilties would be a maximum of two weeks. In special cases where, for example, return to the place of origin is not in the best interests of the individual or family repatriating, a process of consultation between UNHCR the Vietnamese authorities and the returnee has been allowed for. Allowance has also been made for the provision of assistance by UNHCR both in respect of transportation back to Viet Nam and of reintegration assistance for returnees.

19.

Efforts will be made to reduce further the time-frame for approval of . applications for voluntary repatriation and to simplify and expedite procedures along the lines currently being adopted with repect to the programme of repatriation to the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Repatriation of Unaccompanied Minors

20.

Decisions on the durable solution to be purused for unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 years should be based on the fundamental principle of the best interests of the child, to be determined o: a case by case basis as described in a separate Note submitted to the Co-ordinating Committee. In cases where it is judged that repatriation is in the best interests of the. minor, the dossier would be forwarded to UNHCR Hanoi for follow-up action. This would include a review of the family situation and an assessment of assistance needs. Where repatriation is judged to be the appropriate solution, next of kin or guardians would be notified sufficiently in advance of repatriation and encouraged to take immediate custody of the returning minor(s). Where family reunion is not possible, but return to the country of origin is nonetheless judged to be the appropriate solution, UNHCR and the Government of the country of origin would consult with a view to finding an appropriate reintegration solution.

Reintegration Assistance

21. At present, UNHCR assistance to facilitate the installation and reintegration of returnees consists of the following:

(a) Transportation from the first asylum camp to the returnees' place of origin or choice, including assistance during transit in a reception centre as required.