Fate of Vietnamese in Aust jails causes concern

Concerns have been raised about the fate of up to 50 Vietnamese people in Australian jails, after Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on deportation with Vietnam.

The Immigration Minister, Philip Ruddock, signed the agreement setting up a process for the return of those convicted of crimes during a recent visit to Vietnam.

Fairfield councillor Thang Ngo says all of those affected came to Australia as refugees, many of them as children.

He says many have been convicted of petty crimes, some the result of their past life experience, and still face deportation despite having permanent residency in Australia.

"These are refugees, when you take refugees you know there's going to be good people with bad people, you do it under the humanitarian program," Mr Ngo said.

"We can't say, 'we'll just take the good and flick back the bad'.

"We also need to understand that these people could potentially face political persecution if they're sent back."

ABC Radio: 20 June 2001