Some Chinese migrants
being let go WebPosted Wed Aug 4 18:08:07
1999
VANCOUVER - Most of the Chinese
immigrants found in the cargo hold of a ship off Vancouver Island
last month are getting their first taste of Canadian freedom today.
Canada Immigration officials say the majority of the migrants have
come up with satisfactory proof of their identities.
 The migrants
being held at CFB Esquimalt
| Last month, 123 immigrants were
detained after the ship was seized. Police suspect they were
planning to enter the country illegally and may be part of a human
smuggling ring.
On Wednesday, 81 of them will be handed over to aid agencies who
will find them temporary accommodation.
The migrants are being let go under tight controls. They will
need to check in with immigration officials within days of their
release with an address of a resident they will stay with. If they
meet the conditions and fill out the necessary documents, then the
official refugee process will begin.
The situation is not so clear for 34 others who were also
detained in Vancouver. Immigration officials say they are not
satisfied with their identities.
The RCMP are continuing its investigation over whether some of
them will face charges under the Immigration Act for bringing the
migrants to Canada.
Immigration officials hope to begin refugee hearings for the
migrants by September.
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