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In July, 1979, following an initiative from the Prime Minister, the United Nations called a Conference in
Geneva. At that time, the UK Government announced its
intention to take 10,000 refugees from liong Kong in
addition to the then agreed quota of 1,000.
Today the UK quota for refugees has been fully used up. Menawhile, other countries (notably USA and Canada) have been taking a substantial number of refugees from Hong Kong although they have now started to reduce their quota for refugees from Hong Kong.
Although Hong Kong recognises the political difficulty in the UK of establishing another quota we are anxious that the tap should not be turned off completely. There is a real danger that other countries (in particular the USA) will become even less ready to accept refugees from Hong Kong if HMG does not fulfil what might be seen as its responsibilities towards its dependent territory. This is already happening as the USA has reduced its quota for February, March and April to 1,100 per month having accepted 1,500 per month in the early months of 1981. There is concern in Hong Kong lest the territory be left with a sizeable rump of refugees who have not been selected for resettlement elsewhere and who are likely to continue to drain Hong Kong's social services. Furthermore there are signs that friction and resentment are beginning to develop in Hong Kong bath within the refugee community and between refugees and the public at large. We are therefore exploring with HMG ways of continuing a trickle of refugees from Hong Kong to the UK under family reunification schemes and possibly sponsorship.
Hong Kong Government Office
1st March 1982
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