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Hong Kong's last Vietnamese refugees camp - the Pillar Point Vietnamese Refugees Centre (PPVRC) in Tuen Mun, has been officially closed at 0000 hours today (June 1) and the Civil Aid Service (CAS) has formally taken over maintaining discipline of the site. Strict access control will be maintained.

"The Government will continue to encourage and assist the Vietnamese refugees/migrants to move out voluntarily. With the assistance of CAS, site discipline is secured and we are confident of clearance soon in a reasonable manner," a Government spokesman said.

"We appeal to the Vietnamese refugees/migrants remaining at the PPVRC site to move out voluntarily forthwith. Nearly 1,000 Vietnamese have already done so and integrated into the HK community," he said.

Those who are in need of help genuinely have already received assistance, e.g. Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) and Compassionate Rehousing (CR). As at May 31, 76 persons have been granted with CR and CSSA while another 200 persons have also been granted CSSA. A total of $1.8 million removal allowance has so far been paid out to 264 families involving 722 persons.

The remainders who claim eligibility for further assistance should provide fresh information to back up their claims. They should contact the off-site social service unit of Caritas-Hong Kong in Tuen Mun Government Offices. Each case will be considered on its own merits.

End/Thursday, June 1, 2000

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