leaving Vietnam who may have left for reasons other than fear of
persecution.
Mrs. Lasan asked Mr. Sureck if I.N.S. is at present applying
another and a different determination to "R.P.C. refusal" cases
compared to the eligibility that was determined some years ago. Mr. Sureck replied that every case is considered under the law as
it is today.
Mrs. Lasan informed the meeting that Hong Kong is very much in the
High Commissioner's mind at present following a meeting with
Mr. David Jeaffresen, Hong Kong's Secretary for Security; the High
Commissioner notes and extends his appreciation to the Hong Kong
Government and Consular representatives of governments in Hong
Kong who are bearing the burden with UNHCR during a difficult
period for resettlement.
(3) Updated Information From:
Security Branch
Mr. Williamson confirmed that Mr. Jeaffresen met the High Commissioner
and continued to note that for the first time in five years the population in Hong Kong has increased and immigration from China does not help the refugee situation. The situation of the Vietnamese refugees has been brought to the attention of the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the High Commissioner for
UNHCR. The outlook is gloomy and depressing as the numbers are
increasing steadily and there is no basis to believe it will stop.
Mr. Leeks informed the meeting that currently there are some 7,800
refugees in open centres and approaching 5,000 in closed camps. Limited departure is mostly from open camps. Many have been in the "open" centres for a long time and he proposed that a five year stay in Hong Kong warrants a case being classified as an "emergency" case. The numbers of refugees currently kept in
detention is increasing and their resettlement prospects are
extremely low, this is a financial burden to the Hong Kong
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