Norway: Mr. H. Austad
Mr. Austad stated that there are only 10 cases pending and being followed up closely.
Belgium
Mrs. Lasan stated that their present criteria is for family reunion and handicapped cases which will be pursued more vigorously locally with the Belgian Consulate.
(4) Status of Ship Rescue Cases
(a) Mrs. Las an introduced this item on the agenda by commenting that during 1983 there have been no "ship rescue cases" and that UNHCR hope to wind down those that are currently "active".
(b) Mr. Chuasai proceeded on this topic using the table on "Breakdown of Resettlement Status of Remaining Refugees Rescued by Ocean-Going Vessels (as at 7 April 1983)". Mr. Chuasai stated that the numbers since the last resettlement meeting have dropped significantly. Only 90 persons are left and the majority are awaiting departure. There are only 4
difficult cases.
The following points were raised during the course of reviewing information on this table:-
(i) Mr. Chuasai informed the meeting that one out of the three remaining persons from "Sea Lionet" who once refused a New Zealand offer is still "active". The other two are now under Australian processing. An appeal was made for New Zealand to reconsider the remaining case.
(ii) Mr. Chuasai also stressed that UNHCR hope to submit somewhere one person from boat 1196 "Singwind" who has no relatives except for a cousin in Belgium. As this case is not qualified under the existing Belgian criteria, Mr. Austad is willing to look into this case.
(iii) The biggest "active" caseload in this group is boat 1414 "Poyang". Out of an original total of 42, 27 have already been resettled elsewhere where they have close links. UNHCR has been formally informed that the
· remaining refugees will not be accepted for resettlement in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Leeks stated that an appeal has been made to the Foreign Office concerning "Poyang".
(iv) Miss Gregson referred to cases on "medical hold" and informed the meeting that some refugees who were required to have a second medical examination, after being transferred out of Argyle 3, were not following up on medical instruction. It was therefore decided that a copy of the letter addressed to the refugee concerned be sent to UNHCR and Mr. Leeks of Security Branch for appropriate action.
(5) Arrival and Departure Patterns January to March 1983
Mrs. Lasan informed the meeting that this year Hong Kong seems to fall in line with the region in terms of reduced arrivals, however, cautioned that the peak time of the year is setting in. Mr. Chuasai added that the number of regional arrivals in February 1983 was 2,138 persons compared with 2,797 in 1982 which, shows a drop in the figures. Since the last resettlement meeting 808 persons have arrived and 1,395 departed.
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