MINISTER
OF
STATE
Our Ref: IMG/85 192/757/1 (s)
HOME OFFICE
QUEEN ANNE'S GATE
LONDON SWIH 9AT
Thank you for your letter fo 25 October enclosing this one from Mr L A Coppel of Messrs Singer and Friedlander about Hong Kong businessmen.
It may be helpful if I explain that the current Immigration Rules provide for the admission of overseas nationals who wish to establish themselves in business or self-employment in the United Kingdom. The most important requirements are a minimum investment of £150,000 and the need to create paid, full-time employment for people already settled here. Prospective businessmen also need to show that there is a genuine need for their services and investment and that they will be occupied full-time in the running of the business. Under these Rules entry clearance must be obtained before coming
re; in Hong Kong application should be made to the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Government.
A businessman who meets these requirements can be accompanied here by his wife and any children under eighteen. They will normally be allowed to enter for twelve months at first but they will be allowed extensions of stay providing that they continue to meet the requirements of the Rules and they will be allowed settlement after four years here.
The Immigration Rules are normally strictly applied but in individual cases where we feel that the investment would be of particular benefit to the United Kingdom we may be prepared to consider waiving some of the requirements. I hope Mr Coppel finds this helpful.
Martin M Brandon Bravo Esq MP
(DAVID WADDINGTON)