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2016 JAAMOGIEI, 101...
the number of arrivals following on HMG's initiative in
taking more refugees plus the response of the other
resettlement countries. As far as we can tell from questioning
these arrivals, they were not specifically lured into coming
-
and in
to Hong Kong by the increase in resettlement in 1986
practice this increase has not been that dramatic anyway.
Rather, they came here for a variety of reasons of which
the main one is the prospect of a better economic life in
any of the main resettlement countries.
15.
When it announced its decision to relax its
family reunion criteria in respect of refugees in Hong Kong,
HMG undertook to consider what more it might do to try to
resolve the problem in the light of other countries'
response to Hong Kong's needs. We have put it to HMG that
other countries have responded generously.
16.
We have also been pressing for an approach to
the Vietnamese with a view to opening up discussions on
means of returning those found not to be refugees to
Vietnam. HMG recognises that resettlement can no longer
be the sole solution to the problem and the issue needs to
be explored in consultation with other interested parties
including UNHCR.
17.
Meanwhile, we have passed on the concerns
expressed by Honourable Members in this debate to the British
Government.
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