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New RASRO quotas will, unless a country requires otherwise, come into effect on 1 May 1986. Unused places under the 1985-86 quota will be automatically credited to the new quota year and countries will be notified in May 1986 of their commitment in terms of refugee places. Thus, if for instance a country renews its quota at the original level beginning 1 May 1986, at which time places still remain in its 1985-86 quota, it will be notified that only the balance of places are required. Alternative ways of crediting quotas to ensure "burden sharing" may be discussed at the meeting.
Longstaving refugees in Hong Kong (estimated need: 4,800 places)
It is evident from the attached statistical chart (Refugees in Southeast Asia by length of stay) that more Vietnamese refugees stay
A total longer in Hong Kong than in any other country in the region. of 5,894 (30 September 1985) refugees have remained in camps in Hong Kong for more than 3 years. This is more than in any other country of first asylum.
It is of interest to note that this group of refugees is composed mainly of families. During their protracted stay in Hong Kong many refugees have developed linguistic and technical skills which could assist their integration in third countries. A significant minority also have some type of family link an overseas resettlement country, although few qualify for resettlement within current criteria.
UNHCR is currently in the process of constructive dialogue with the competent authorities of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong on their role in an international effort to reduce significantly the size of the
The United Kingdom has already "longstayer" caseload in Hong Kong. offered to accept during 1986 at least 500 refugees who fall outside of the usual family reunion criteria. Hong Kong is also considering to accept for local settlement a number of longstaying refugees of ethnic
In Chinese origin, subject to the approval of the Executive Council. addition, the Hong Kong authorities are examining other ways in which they could contribute to international refugee programmes and are giving sympathetic consideration to the possibility of establishing a rescue at ses transit centre in Hong Kong.
Taking into account the size and duration of the problem and the spirit of co-operation shown by the "first steps" of the authorities of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, UNHCR appeals to all governments to make special resettlement efforts in Hong Kong.