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11. This subject has been the subject of 'closed-door' discussions between certain European countries and UNHCR, aimed at improving procedures for determining the status of applicants and dealing more effectively with abuses. Meetings have already been held in
Stockholm, the Hague and Geneva. M Hocké recently proposed that a
Ministerial meeting (Ministers of Interior) should be held soon to
raise the political level of the debate. Our view is that much more
work is required at the official level (and some prospect of agreement on a solution) before Ministers become involved. We have
also made it clear to UNHCR that transit countries (ie intermediate
countries used by asylum-seekers but which do not give them refugee
status) must be involved in the discussions as early as possible.
At present Italy and Turkey, of the major transit countries, are
excluded. Further discussions are due to be held under the aegis of
UNHCR in Geneva on 17 November.
12.
The issue is a major problem for the FRG (150,000 asylum-seekers a year costing $1,300 million) and the Danes (costing $150 million). As a result of pressure from them EC Interior Ministers meeting in London on 20 October agreed that a high level
ad hoc working group of experts set up by the meeting should consider inter alia
'measures to achieve a common policy to eliminate the
abuse of the right of asylum in consultation with the Council of Europe and the UN High Commission for Refugees.
The Group's first meeting will be in November.
13. We have also agreed to a German request to discuss asylum at the European Council in December and are considering a further German request to set up a Council Working Group of transport expets to consider policy on the carriage of asylum-seekers by sea and air. It is likely that such a group will be set up.
Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong
14. 8,400 Vietnamese boat refugees are in Hong Kong awaiting resettlement. Sixty four per cent have been there more than
3 years.
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