CONFIDENTIAL
NATIONAL I TY
3. I attach a short note on the question of nationality
in relation to Hong Kong. It is, as the Minister
observes,
a hideously complicated subject. In answer to
the Minister's specific questions BN (O) status has no
implications in terms of immigration to the United
Kingdom. Hong Kong BDTCs at the moment do not have
have the
right to settle in the United Kingdom and are subject to
immigration control. BN (O)s will enjoy the same status.
We have faced considerable criticism in Hong Kong on
nationality.
It was felt that the 1981 BNA was
deliberately designed to create a second-class status of
British nationality for Hong Kong residents. We were
critised in the debate on the Hong Kong agreement for not
providing for those who wish to
settle in Britain to be
able to do So.
Although it is in fact generally
recognised in Hong Kong that HMG cannot give open house
to 31/4 million people, this is a highly emotional
subject and there is still criticism.
We were also
criticised by others for not making it clear enough that
there was no possibility of former BDTCs from Hong Kong
being able to settle in Britain.
PASSPORTS
4.
I will be submitting separately on the question of
passports.
In answer
to the Minister's specific
questions, we estimate that there are
over 31/4 million
Hong Kong BDTCs. We assume that most of these will apply
for BN(O) passports before 1 July 1997. BN (O) passports
will state that the holder has the right of abode in Hong
Kong. We are negotiating the text of this endorsement
with the Chinese SO that it can continue after 1 July
these people will have the right of
There are about 20,000 British citizens
1997.
Non e of
abode in the UK.
with the right of abode in the United Kingdom in Hong
Kong. A high proportion of these are expatriates.
CONFIDENTIAL