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the ex-China refugees in the Philippines are now writing to their friends and relations in China encouraging them to come to the Philippines because the inaction of the Philippine Government gives them hope that they might be resettled.
This then is the present situation. These ex-China voluntary departure cases are costing us a considerable amount of money (although less than it would if they landed in Hong Kong and had to be returned or resettled). It is causing a degree of embarrassment to us because it is suggested (with some justification) that we are aiding refugees to leave Hong Kong. Finally, we are involved a little in the embarrassment in which the UNHCR and the resettlement countries find themselves with regard to the ex-China cases now in the Philippines.
So far I have argued very vigorously that this is a matter for the Government of the Philippines. However, the facts of the matter are that because of the experience and efficiency of our Immigration authorities, we frequently know that some of those who volunteer to leave Hong Kong are in fact ex-China cases. In addition, although they do not seek to land in Hong Kong, they all are accommodated for varying periods of time at the Western Quarantine Anchorage (WQA) while their boats are being repaired and dry rations and blankets provided. On occasions, in inclement weather, we even remove them to Argyle or Chi Ma Wan. It is possible, therefore, to argue that since they are in Hong Kong waters they come under the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance. Since we are aware that they are not refugees in the true sense,
in the true sense, we could deal with ex- China cases in the same way that we deal with illegal immigrants, i.e.
remove them from the boat. I have resisted this line because of the two problems which I think it would bring with it:
(a) the international criticism of Hong Kong
(b)
We would be removing people from boats who did not want to land in Hong Kong, but who had arrived in Hong Kong waters seeking assistance. A cold, heartless image of Hong Kong would be underlined by our removal of ex- China cases and their repatriation to China.
the cost implications of accommodating ex-China cases for months, if not years, pending their verification by the Chinese authorities.
We are thinking of suggesting that the UNHCR establish a transit centre for ex-China cases in Shenzhen. Provided that this transit/is established and paid for and operated by the UNHCR, then we would agree to remove all ex-China cases from any boat that arrived in Hong Kong waters and to transport them immediately to the border to be accommodated in the transit centre. The removal could be observed by UNHCR staff to ensure that we satisfactorily identify ex-China cases. Our argument for locating the transit centre in Shenzhen is that first, it should not (not) be a drain on the Hong Kong taxpayer. Second, it would be necessary for the PRCG authorities to have regular access to the refugees in
/order....