Seven Chinese
migrants miss their immigration appointment WebPosted Aug 26 1999 9:20 AM PDT
VANCOUVER - Immigration officials have
issued arrest warrants for the seven missing people. They
arrived on the first mystery boat from China and had applied
for refugee status.
Now that the seven have missed their immigration
appointment, they have two weeks to check in or have their
claims thrown out.
It's a disappointment for Peter Wong, the executive
director of the Vancouver Association of Chinese Canadians.
Wong says, "There could be a number of explanations. They may
have worked with relatives, gone to another city... we don't
know for sure." Wong says his staff is checking to see if
anyone has any pertinent information.
69 people did report in as required. Rob Johnston of
Immigration Canada takes some comfort in that number. He says,
"69 people showing up contrary to all of the concerns, I'm
pleased with that compliance." The first of several
immigration hearings are scheduled for next week. The desire
is to get them done quickly. Extra staff will be brought in so
that other refugee claimants won't get bumped down the line.
Between the two mystery ships, more than fifty adults
remain in detention. More than fifty young people are still in
the care of the Ministry of Children and Families.
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