CONFIDENTIAL
(b) Threat of Immigration
14.
Some noble Lords have suggested that there might be a
possible flow of immigrants into this country. There are
only an estimted 20,000 British citizens in Hong Kong. They
have the right to enter and live in the UK. The 3 million or so British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong do not
have the right of abode in the UK, nor will they have it
after 1997. Our efforts have been devoted to creating
conditions under which people will wish to stay in Hong Kong
and to build their futures there. We believe that we have
achieved this in the agreement.
(c) Acceptability of Travel Documents
15. According to Section XIV of Annex I to the Joint Declaration, residents of the SAR will be able to use travel documents issued by the SAR Government. They will record the
holder's right to return to the SAR. The Chinese Government
will asist or authorise the SAR Government to conclude visa
abolition agreements with states or regions. Those who are on 30 June 1997 BDTCS by virtue of a connection with Hong Kong will be eligible to retain a status which will enable them to use British passports after that date. These passports will make it clear that the holders have right of abode in the SAR. HMG will do all we can to secure for the
holders of these passports the same access to other countries
as that enjoyed at present by holders of BDTC passports.
There is no reason to believe that third countries will not
recognise these passports.
CONFIDENTIAL