Directive No. 882/CT-TTg On Preventing Illegal Import and Export Activities

 DIRECTIVE
On Preventing Unauthorized Departure

Within the framework of implementing the Comprehensive Program of Action (CPA), we have basically resolved the issue of repatriating certain Vietnamese boat people who are not recognized as refugees with Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan. We are also striving to complete the repatriation of remaining boat people in Thailand and Hong Kong before July 1, 1997. However, in recent times, the number of Vietnamese entering Hong Kong illegally has been increasing: from January to October 1996, there were 780 people who entered Hong Kong illegally by sea, and 32 others who entered through travel agencies organized by Vietnamese tourism companies and then stayed illegally. hold office, then remain illegally.

The continued illegal entry of Vietnamese into Hong Kong has affected the efforts of our government in cooperation with the British/Hong Kong authorities and UNHCR to repatriate more than 11,000 boat people still remaining in Hong Kong; it has caused difficulties for state agencies in ensuring national security and social order.

To effectively prevent unauthorized departure and illegal entry into Hong Kong, the Prime Minister instructs localities and relevant ministries and sectors to immediately carry out the following tasks:

1. Strengthen extensive propaganda work through mass media to make the public clearly understand two fundamental issues:

First, there are no job opportunities in Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to other countries because this territory will be returned to China on July 1, 1997;

Second, for those arriving in Hong Kong after February 14, 1994, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will not provide any international organization assistance for repatriation and reintegration. These individuals will be detained, fined from one to six months, and deported by the Hong Kong authorities without UNHCR assistance.

2. Enhance management and prevention of unauthorized departure. Localities and competent agencies should implement preventive measures, control, and patrol at sea and land borders to promptly intercept unauthorized departures, and strictly handle organizations and individuals involved in organizing and brokering unauthorized departures.

3. Closely coordinate in verifying lists and quickly repatriating Vietnamese citizens not allowed to reside abroad, especially those still holding valid documents issued by Vietnam.

4. Emphasize the responsibility of agencies sending or organizing people to go abroad, particularly travel agencies. Agencies and organizations that fail to fulfill their responsibilities and allow individuals to overstay abroad illegally will, in addition to bearing the costs of repatriation, be subject to administrative penalties under the law.

The Prime Minister requests that agencies, departments, and localities implement this Directive effectively and promptly report new issues arising to develop appropriate policies and measures.