HKCS
SHELT NO
C
c)
d)
e)
its forthcoming meeting when the 1980 budget and quota for refugees
will be dealt with.
One official in particular pointed out that the behaviour and appearance of refugees from Hong Kong vary greatly from other refugees. They do not tie in with the general concept that a refugee to look downtrodden, shabby and malnourished. He fully accepted our explanation for this phenomenon and feels that this has to be made known to the Belgian public. He will stress
this point in particular at the interministerial meeting.
We pointed out that integration begins or should begin in the country of first asylum. The services provided in Hong Kong are to help countries of resettlement in their efforts to integrate refugees in as short a time as possible.
He suggested that we should discuss this matter with the Belgian Consul in Hong Kong so that he may substantiate our statement to
his government.
It was pointed out to us that Belgium has a new government which may delay decisions on refugee policy. The present very tight financial situation of the country will play a decisive role in
the decision making process.
All officials very definitely stated that they will support a a fair share of the new quota in favour of Hong Kong.
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