A.
B
For discussion
on 14th May 1968
CONFIDENTIAL
XCC(68)24
Copy No. of 25
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
IMMIGRATION POLICY:
ENTRY FROM CHINA, MACAU AND TAIWAN OF PERSONS OF CHINESE RACE NOT IN POSSESSION OF VALID NATIONAL PASSPORTS (OTHER THAN CANTONESE FROM KWANGTUNG)
The existing policy governing the entry from China and Macau of persons of Chinese race not in possession of valid national passports is summarised in the note at Annex A. This policy does not apply to Cantonese residents of Kwangtung Province who are eligible for entry under the quota arrangements. Neither has it been specifically applied to entry from Taiwan, applications from that country being at present considered in the light of the particular circumstances of the individual case.
2
The Director of Immigration has recommended that certain changes be made in the policy governing entry from China and Macau, and that it be extended to cover entry from Taiwan. The proposed policy is set out in the note at Annex B. The proposed changes represent a certain liberalisation of policy, which will not however result in any significant increase in legal immigration from China, Macau or Taiwan.
3
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The changes proposed are as follows:
it is to be specifically laid down that entry in all cases is subject to there being no criminal or security ob- jection to the applicant and no likelihood of his be- coming a burden on the Colony. (Paragraph 1 of Annex B).
Previously, a normal condition for allowing the entry of wives, children or parents to join their respective husbands, parents or children in the Colony was that the latter should be bona fide residents who had lived in the Colony for at least two years. In future it will only be necessary that the latter be bona fide residents of the Colony - the two years residential qualification will be abolished. (Paragraphs 1(a), (c) and (d) of Annex A compared with paragraphs 2(a), (c) and (d) of Annex B).
The circumstances in which approval may be given for entry of a husband to join his wife in the Colony are extended so as to include husbands who have close business connections with the Colony; and a husband who is over 50 years of age and whose wife has lived in the Colony for at least 10 years. (Paragraph 1(b) of Annex A compared with paragraph 2(b) of Annex B).
The normal age limit for the entry of unmarried dependent children is raised to 21. Previously the age limit was 16, although this could be extended to 21 in the case of