TNAG-1276-FCO40-1626-Resettlement-of-Vietnamese-refugees-from-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 114

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(c) Mrs. Las an expressed UNHCR's appreciation for the above American policy to reconsider "RPC refusals" and "U.K. contaminated cases" stating that this caseload is the biggest and most difficult part of UNHCR's refugee population in Hong Kong. As agreed upon with Mr. Finnegan, arrangements have been made to submit dossiers in three different groups,

It was 8 April 1983 (already submitted), 13 April 1983 and 20 April 1983. also explained that for the third time UNHCR is updating their dossiers and the staggered dates would allow time for further checking before passing them to JVA.

Canada: Miss S. Gregson

Miss Gregson stated that 175 government sponsored places have been allocated to Hong Kong and Macau. This quota does not include family or private sponsorship cases. However, Government sponsored cases must have close connections with Canada. It is expected that a quota of 675 for 1983 will include private sponsorship cases. Miss Gregson also stated that the focus for Voluntary Agency sponsored cases has shifted to Central and South America.

Australia: Mr. B. Richards on

Mr. Richardson stated that 700 refugees are being held for processing until 30 June 1983 afterwhich it is possible that Australia's intake may increase by 10%.

Mr. Chuasai added that 414 persons were accepted last year and this year's quota of 70-80 per month represents an increase of 197%.

United Kingdom: Mr. C. Leeks

At present Mr. Leeks stated that U.K.'s quota ended in the middle of 1982. a further quota is under consideration. The United Kingdom's criteria is

Mrs. Lasan commmented limited to ship rescue cases and family reunion cases. that overtures are being made with the U.K. permanent mission in Geneva in the hope that something may come up.

France

As no representative was present, Mr. Chuasai explained that movement is presently hampered by the limited resources of voluntary agencies and the overcrowding of reception centres in France.

Netherlands: Mr. F. Vrijmoed

Mr. Vrijmoed stated that submissions to the Netherlands are being dealt with by UNHCR in Geneva and The Hague directly. Priority is presently

The being given to refugees from Kuala Lumpur rather than Hong Kong. present criteria is for "ship rescue cases" and family reunion cases (11 people are at present pending departure in one to two months). The proportion being taken from Hong Kong is small compared to the amount the Netherlands are taking world wide. Mr. Boe stated that the Netherlands had 43 ship rescue cases that were accepted elsewhere.

New Zealand: Miss D. Smith

Miss Smith stated that New Zealand are only accepting cases on family reunion grounds. Mr. Chuasai enquired if they would accept deserving cases that are socially or physically handicapped who have shown a specific interest in resettlement in New Zealand, perhaps with distant relatives or friends as UNHCR are short of cases for the existing criteria. Smith stated that they could only be submitted and the Commission in New Zealand would decide.

Miss

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