TNAG-1853-FCO40-2628-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 19

Screening and appeals procedure

Rate of screening

Screening procedure has been significantly speeded up.

At appeals stage Appeals Review Board now dealing with almost 400

appeals per week.

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At this rate would take about 2 years to process all those currently awaiting screening (37,000).

Screening interviews

Screening procedure very thorough. Initial interview, at which personal data collected by immigration assistant, normally takes about 4 hours. Results recorded in questionnaire, as approved by

UNHCR.

Boat people then interviewed by immigration officer who assesses claim to asylum and takes initial decision on refugee status.

UNHCR have right of access to any screening interview and their officers may offer advice or comment at any stage. Hong Kong G V ment provides interpreters for interviews.

Those screened out are advised that they have a right to appeal within 28 days to Refugee Status Review Board. They are also advised that UNHCR will help them in preparing their appeal. UNHCR given access to complete Immigration Department file.

Appeals board is headed by a former judge. Board members drawn from Civil Service and members of the community.

BATACM (3)