XCC(69)29
CONFIDENTIAL
2 -
Political Considerations
4
The continuing increase in the growth of the Indian and Pakistani community poses for Hong Kong the threat of a possible future racial problem such as has grown up in Britain owing to shee. weight of numbers. Hitherto, the Indian and Pakistani community in Hong Kong has remained at a low level relative to the Chinese populatic... Furthermore, as the majority have been merchants in the middle classes there has been no social problem. If the size of the community were to grow rapidly and to include a large proportion of unskilled persons their presence could become noticeable and the possibility of resentment building up among the Chinese population could not be excluded. The recent tightening up by the United Kingdom of entry restrictions upon Commonwealth immigrants and their dependants may further stimulate interest in emigration to other territories (such as Hong Kong) where no restrictions exist. Hence it is felt necessary to institute controls now so that the size of this problem can be kept under control.
The Extent of Controls
5
Although the problem at present is confined to Indians and Pakistanis, restrictions aimed only at them or any other particular Commonwealth nationality or racial group would give rise to criticism on the grounds of discrimination. It is felt, therefore, that any controls that are introduced should apply to all Commonwealth citizens, excluding bona fide tourists (see paragraph 15) and persons born in Hong Kong. In practice the effect, however, would be (paragraph 8) that only unskilled persons or persons without means to support themselves would be restricted and in the main these would be Indians and Pakistani..
Criteria for Aliens for employment
6
The policy for the entry of aliens for employment is to allow entry in cases where there is nothing cn record to the detriment of the applicant, provided that:
(a)
the applicant possesses some special skill or knowledge not readily available in Hong Kong;
(b)
the employing firm is a reputable one; and
(c)
the activities of the applicant and his employer are beneficial to the Colony as a whole. The importance of encouraging local investment and stimulating employment are borne in mind.
Criteria for Aliens
7
for residence
The entry of aliens for residence is allowed for the following three categories of person, provided there is no security objection, no known record of serious crime, and no likelihood of their becoming a burden on the Colony:
CONFIDENTIAL