HC Deb 30 November 1988 vol 142 cc291-2W
22. Mr. Michael J. Martin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he intends to meet the Government of Vietnam to discuss the problem of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong.

Mr. Eggar

My right hon. and learned Friend has no current plans to do so.

44. Mr. Maxton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the position of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong.

65. Mr. Sims

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to reduce the number of Vietnamese refugees accommodated in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

68. Mr. Lofthouse

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in relation to the plight of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong.

90. Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the position of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong.

Mr. Eggar

There are some 25,000 Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong. Some 15,500 of these have refugee status and are awaiting resettlement overseas. They are gradually being moved into open camps with access to training and employment opportunities which will enhance their resettlement prospects. Since 16 June all new arrivals who meet UNHCR criteria will join those refugees awaiting resettlement. Those who do not qualify as refugees will be held in detention centres pending their eventual return to Vietnam, once internationally acceptable arrangements for this can be agreed with the Vietnamese authorities. We are continuing to take in refugees from Hong Kong at the rate of about 20 per month and urging the other resettlement countries to play their full part.

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