TNAG-1797-FCO40-2557-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 7

few VBPs have been screened in

as refugees. Questions on legal representation, the right to a hearing and legal aid may arise. We should be able now to answer most questions adequately.

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Locally, the public is unlikely to show any sympathy for the screened-out VIIs although they may again question the expenses incurred for the continued maintenance and care of VIIS who are screened out. There may be resumed debate on the question of double standards regarding different appeal procedures for VIIS and CIIs.

Publicity

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We shall need to counter any possible criticisms by reference to the full involvement of the UNHCR in the appeals procedure, and our strict

strict adherence to UNHCR guidelines in making the intitial determination.

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the

We

We propose to make periodic announcements on numbers screened in as VRs and screened out as VIIs (including appeals results), after the individuals have been told. shall brief the press (particularly the overseas media) on the screening and appeals procedure.

(The Secretary for Security, Mr R.I.W. UPTON; Refugee Co-ordinator, Mr M.J.J. HANSON; Director of Immigration, Mr A.J. CARTER; and the Deputy Crown Solicitor, Mr I. WINGFIELD will attend for this item.)

9 September 1988

(SRD 401/13/C III)

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