HONG KONG STUDY
ANNEX K
SECRET
CITIZENSHIP, NATIONALITY, IMMIGRATION
Present Situation
Citizenship
1.
A very small minority of the population in Hong Kong are
Citizens of the UK and Colonies (CUKCs) with a right of abode
in the UK and will become British Citizens in 1983.
2. About 2.5 million people are CUKCS without right of
abode in the UK and will become British Dependent Territories
Citizens (BDTCs) in 1983.
3. The remainder, apart from a few aliens and citizens of
Commonwealth countries, are holders of Hong Kong residence
permits which give no citizenship status under UK law.
Chinese descent.
4. The overwhelming majority of Hong Kong residents are of
They are usually termed 'compatriots' by the
Government of the PRC, which regards them as citizens of the
PRC.
Nationality and Protection
5.
British citizens and BDTCs resident in Hong Kong will be
UK nationals for the purpose of protection in other countries.
However, since the Hong Kong Chinese are regarded by the PRC only
as Chinese citizens, the right of protection by the UK in China is
not recognised by the Chinese authorities. All Hong Kong Chinese
residents travelling to China are normally obliged to use
Chinese travel documents. The PRC have not challenged our
right of protection in third countries.
Immigration and Visa Control
SECRET