TNAG-2212-FCO40-3172-Hong-Kong-annual-report-for-1990-1991 — Page 152

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16. The scheme will be operated in two tranches. A total

applications were received by the deadline of 28

of

February 1991 for places under the first tranche. These

applications are now being processed. A second tranche will

be reserved for allocation nearer to 1997 in order to cater

for those who will by then have moved into key positions and

to give anyone who failed to secure a place in the first

round on second chance.

17. The scheme has had a stabilising effect on the

community and has helped to restore local confidence. It

has also acted as a catalyst, encouraging other countries to implement various insurance schemes specifically for Hong Kong people. Her Majesty's Government continued their efforts to mobilise the international community to support Hong Kong in whatever ways they could, including the introduction of schemes to give Hong Kong people the assurance of right of abode without their having to leave

the territory. A number of countries have taken action of

this kind. For example, the United States' Immigration Act

of 1990 provides for the issue of immigrant visas to Hong Kong people, while allowing recipients to defer their settlement in the United States for a number of years.

18.

There are indications that former Hong Kong residents who have acquired the right of abode overseas are returning to Hong Kong in increasing numbers. This trend is likely to accelerate given the slowdown of economic growth of many of

the destination countries. Thus although the level of departures is expected to remain high in the coming year, these recent developments provide some grounds for cautious

optimism.

V.

REFUGEES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM VIETNAM

19. There is a continuing influx of Vietnamese into Hong Kong. Although almost all of those arriving still hope to

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