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EXPANSION OF THE ICEM NETWORK OF OFFICES IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIA AREA
Until recently ICH''s operation in Southeast Asia was directed from the central offices in Hong Kong and Bangkok, the latter supervising the sub-office in Malaysin. However, due to the steadily increasing number of refugees in the various asylum countries, new offices have been opened in the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore. Within Malaysia, a sub-office has been established in the border town of Mersing to handle and coordinate the movements from the cast coast of Malaysia to Singapore for final departure by air,
The responsibilitics of the Singapore office also include the handling of depar- tures of refurgces originating from Indonesia as well as Singapore itself. When necessary, ICE! staff are sent on temporary assignment to arrange movements from countries where there is no permanent ICE office.
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ICEM MEDICAL SERVICES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
An important part of ICA's responsibilities in organizing emigration of Inlo- chinese refugees to resettlement countries is medical processing according to the modical criteria established by the receiving countries. This processing inclurles physical examinations, x-raying for tuberculosis, serological testing for syphylis, vaccinations and sometimes various other tests.
Three medical officers (one Belgian and two Norwegians) and two x-ray assistants (Norwegians) are currently assignol to the Southeast Asia area where ICFM Medical Services are supervised by Dr. 11. Karaulnik (Belgium). In addition. ICH ploys a part-time medical officer in Manila and panel doctors in Indonesia, Hong Kong: Taiwan, Korea and Japan.
Dr. Cleve Schou, ICM chief medical officer, recently made an extensive survey of the refugee situation and of IC edical Services in the Southeast Asia area. He reviewed needs for personnel and equipment in order to reorganize the medical services to cope with increased demands in the area. The conclusions of this survey showed that three more medical officers are urgently needed.
The ICDM medical officers and their local staff of nurses, field workers and dormentation clerks work in close cooperation with the local medical authorities. Red Cross and Red Crescent personnel and authorities of the receiving countries.
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LEGAL FIGRATION FECM VIETTEM
On the basis of the agreement reached on 14 June 1979 between UNICR and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam concerning the implementation of regular emigration. procedures for persons wishing to leave Vietnam, especially family reunion cases, ICDM stands ready to collaborate in any such broadened resettlement activity. Prior to this agreement, some 5,000 persons (family reunion cases), whose legal departures from Ho Chi Minh City had been arranged by MR, were moved under ICE! auspices to countries of permanent resettlement, principally Belgium, France and the United States.