10
Day Clist- you shared be
HICK 24312
RECEIVED M
1 1 NOV 1930
DESK OFF Mr SIDEX SEAD
itio
д
हर
PA
-
REM Action Take
girl, Awil
GVV 243/332/1
($68
aware of this before Sui Hurway
sees the Brahes
I. The tightening of family remozion
Criverin and freezing of applications
dois mir
request for
augu
a new quota
well
fre
Hong Kong, Juridian
cc:Mr Williamson, HKGD
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
1.
I enclose a copy of a note by the Home Office on the family reunion scheme for Vietnamese refugees, together with a covering letter from Mr Love of the Home Office.
2.
The note was presented to the JCRV on 16 October. I spoke to Mrs Poulson in the Home Office in the absence of Mr Colin Birt (until 10 November) and Mr Love, since to my knowledge the FCO were not consulted about the contents of the note. Mrs Poulson could not add much to what the note contained. The note does seem to be a substitute for the meeting which was supposed to take place between Home Office and FCO officials to determine the policy on the refugees. Did you discuss the matter with the Home Office?
3. The new criteria for entry under the family reunion heading are more closely defined and represent a useful response to our urging to limit the number of Vietnamese entering in this way. However, the acceptable relationships defined in paragraph 2 and the possibilities available in "exceptional compassionate cases" still provide generous scope for large family units to enter. I do not myself believe that the Home Office could be persuaded to limit the scope of the scheme even further.
4. We now need to consider what guidance should be sent to Hanoi. It seems to me that Hanoi will need to know:-
a)
whether the Vietnamese Government should be made aware of the new criteria and the present "freeze" on further applications;
b)
what amendments should be made to the terms of the two principle stock letters to applicants (Annex B and D to my recommendations of 20 May 1980, copies attached for ease of reference); and
5.
c)
whether the Home Office wish to continue to be sent applications during the freeze period even from those who appear to qualify for a visa under the new criteria.
Mrs Poulson told me that Vietnamese sponsors in the UK have begun to be informed from this week about the
" freeze on new applications. This news will certainly get back quickly to Hanoi. If you agree, I think we should send a copy of the Home Office note and Mr Love's letter to Hanoi inviting their urgent comments and adising them of the points we shall be considering as soon as possible. No doubt it will take a little time to agree the new guidance with the Home Office.
5 November 1980
JR Jamieson
Migration and Visa Department