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It is however very difficult to persuade resettlement countries to increase their level of resettlement from Hong Kong. As you no doubt know, the Sub-Committee on Race Relations and Immigration is currently looking at this subject.
You also ask about the Iranians whom Mrs Elliott mentions in her letter. She is referring to a group of 14 Iranians who arrived in Hong Kong from Karachi in December 1983. They intended to spend the night in Hong Kong before flying to Vancouver the following day. However, they were found by Immigration officials to be travelling on forged passports and were therefore refused permission to land in Hong Kong. The Canadian Authorities made it clear that they would not be admitted to Canada, and Pakistan, the country from which they had begun their journey to Hong Kong, refused to readmit them. The Iranians were therefore detained by the Hong Kong authorities under the provisions of the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance. They were held in the Victoria Immigration Centre until arrangements could be made for them to leave Hong Kong. One left Hong Kong of his own accord in order to travel to Pakistan, though UNHCR are doubtful as to whether he did in fact re-enter Pakistan legally. One unfortunately died in custody on 28 July. As is required under Hong Kong law, inquest proceedings are underway. UNHCR arranged for the rest to be resettled in various Western Countries. In some cases this proved very difficult, and it was not until October 1984 that places could be found for all of them.
I am returning the enclosure to your letter.
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