TNAG-0972-FCO40-1191-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 62

NORWAY REPORT

From:

Date:

Miss Dorothy Lee and Mr Karl Stumpf

Friday, 16 May 1980 Place: Ministry of Social Affairs, Oslo

1.

Introduction: We appreciate Ilong Kong's efforts in making the arrangements for a meeting on May 16. Our own contacts had informed us that the month of May is a difficult one as there are more holidays than working days. This is specially true for the week in question as May 15 was Ascension Day whilst Norway celebrates its National Day on May 17. Many citizens therefore are not available during the long weekend.

2.

Meeting on May 16 with:

Dr Øystein Opdahl, Chief International Division, Ministry of

Social Affairs

Miss Klara Bøe, Foreign Ministry

Mrs Eva Dunlop

Mrs Tineke Stenstad

(a)

Norwegian Refugee Council

(b)

Hong Kong's case was presented with emphasis on shortage of land, the pressures upon all aspects of life in Hong Kong by the continuous influx of migrants from China, the presence of nearly 40,000 Vietnamese refugees and their slow movement from Hong Kong, factors which are a threat to Hong Kong's stability which is so vital in playing its important role as the bridge between China and the West now more significant than ever. plea was made that Norway may make a token contribution.

A

Mr Opdahl then outlined Norway's policy regarding refugees in general and the VR in particular. For various reasons Norway can only admit a small number of VR. The present quota is 3000 which is to be filled by those picked up by Norwegian ships and family reunion cases. Norway very generously accepts the concept of the extended Asian family. Mr Opdahl stated that more than 2000 refugees are already in Norway and that it is expected that the quota of 3000 will be filled by the end of 1980.

Whether there will be an increased quota is not yet known.

A selection team will proceed to the Far East at the end of May to check on family reunion cases. Hong Kong is included and so far 17 family reunion cases are known to be in Hong Kong. Mr Opdahl offered little hope that this firm policy will be changed in favour of Hong Kong.

/(c)