A
Mr. Cummings queried the reason for the fewer arrivals. Mrs. Las an answered that the message of restricted resettlement coupled with the acceleration of the Orderly Departure programme has curtailed the risk of departing in small boats.
(6) Comments on Other Background Information
(7)
The table on "Summary of Resettlement Statistics, Hong Kong Caseload as at March 31 1983" was used to discuss this subject.
(i) Mr. Larsen stated that the term "JVA provisionally approved" should in future be replaced by "JVA provisionally screened".
(ii) It was noted that there has been a 10% decrease of single men since the last resettlement meeting.
(iii) Mr. Fortner requested statistics showing the number of unaccompanied minors 17 years old and under who have ties with the U.S.A. and other countries and those that have no ties whatsoever. Mr. Chuasai stated that UNHCR would provide this information as soon as possible, a copy of which will also be sent to Mr. Leeks.
(iv) Mr. Finnegan asked UNHCR to outline the efforts being made to handle the problem of unaccompanied minors. Mrs. Lasan replied that resettlement is being sought for those who have links in resettlement countries, however, difficulties are encountered when refugee criteria is applied; in any case the solution sought is guided by the best interests of the minors.
(v) On the handicapped caseload, it was also noted that resettlement countries tend to accept physically handicapped cases instead of mentally handicapped. Mr. Boe mentioned that an ICM medical team will be arriving in Hong Kong at the end of the month to set up dossiers for all handicapped refugees which will be as comprehensive as possible. This is a joint project between ICM and UNHCR.
Any Other Comments
Mr. Cummings stated that some refugees who have been resettled in the U.S.A. since 1975 may now be eligible for citizenship whereby they may file a petition for close relatives. If a refugee marries a U.S. citizen he/she will automatically be eligible to apply for citizenship.
There being no further comments the meeting was, adjourned at 11.45 a.m.
OCM Hong Kong
12 April 1983