TNAG-1843-FCO40-2618-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 130

JAYAFW

3.

up?

Is progress on screening satisfactory? Can screening be speeded

Policy was announced 16 June 1988. Agreement with UNHCR governing co-operation over the screening procedure was reached September 1988.

Completed procedure which has taken time to put in place. We have needed to do some pioneering work. Very important that all humanitarian principle should be fully observed. Regular dialogue with UNHCR countries.

Over 1,000 boat people have now been screened. Small minority have not been willing to subject themselves to screening, not enough to be called a boycott.

-

Screening now proceeding relatively smoothly, bearing in mind limited resources available. Expect programme will speed up as the procedures become well understood and well established.

ASEAN Countries announced on 13 March that as of 14 March all boat people arriving on their shores would be denied automatic resettlement. They will be given refuge, but screening will not being until after International Conference in June.

C