JMcC
Department of Trade and Industry
Marine Division
Sunley House 90 High Holborn London WC1V 6LP
Telex 264084 Answer Back MARBOT London Telegrams Marbot London WC1
Telephone 01-405 6911 ext
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کاشه
M Goodfellow Esq
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept
Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SH
Dear Goodfellow,
HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER
LAST
REF.
MEXT
REF
Our reference
Date
18 January 1974
When the DTI Study Team was in Hong Kong the Shipowners brought up the question of the allegedly special difficulties which would confront officers serving in Hong Kong ships if they wished to become nationalised British subjects in order to meet the nationality requirement for Masters. Because of the nature of their employment, they might encounter difficulties in meeting residence requirements, and they would also find it difficult to arrange interviews etc in Hong Kong. Shipowners asked whether procedures could not be changed in order to meet these difficulties.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department told us that they adopted what flexibility they could in meeting seafarers' difficulties in arranging for interviews. As regards residence requirements, they follow Home Office instructions.
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to the effect that whilst service on a British ship is not in itself regarded as residence, if a residence is otherwise established in the UK or colonies then a period at sea while that residence is maintained can normally count.towards the period of residence required.
The
We appreciate that this particular request by the Shipowners for relaxations has wide implications such that it is perhaps unlikely to commend itself. purpose of this letter is simply to bring the matter to your attention.
Your sincerely, John Hera
A J Hunt
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