Chinese Stowaways Seek Refugee Status in Canada

VANCOUVER (Reuters) - A group of 25 Chinese stowaways who thought they were in the United States when they were detained at a Canadian port have requested refugee status in Canada, an official said on Friday.

Authorities, acting on a tip from the United States, discovered the men in two containers on a ship in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Monday. The containers from Hong Kong were bound for Seattle, Washington, but the ship was diverted to Vancouver because of a lack of space in Seattle.

``They've all made claims for refugee status,'' said Citizenship and Immigration Canada spokeswoman Janis Harper.

Canadian authorities said the stowaways, including four juveniles, believed they had arrived in the United States when they were detained.

U.S. authorities asked Canada to search the ship after earlier discovering stowaways in containers at Seattle and Long Beach, California. All of the containers were listed as carrying machinery from Lap Kei Trading Co. in Hong Kong.

U.S. and Canadian officials fear smugglers have switched to using containers to ship human cargo after authorities began intercepting dilapidated fishing boats used to carry people across the Pacific.

A detention hearing is scheduled for Saturday for the 25 migrants. Canadian authorities are expected to request that they remain in custody until their identities are established, Harper said.

Critics of Canada's refugee legislation argue the laws are easily abused by illegal immigrants who are usually released and allowed to remain free during the many months it takes to process their claims.

Canada began toughening its procedures for refugees who arrive in the country by boat after 61 of 77 migrants who arrived in July on a fishing craft disappeared. They are believed to have crossed into the United States to earn money they owe to the smugglers.