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made by the Legislative Council and have held detailed discussions with the Hong Kong Government. We have also taken fully into account the views expressed in the debates in Parliament in January and in the Legislative Council, as well as representations put to us by organisations and individuals in
Hong Kong.
"The
This is
Council's first request was that we should provide an endorsement in the British National (Overseas) passport making it clear that the holder did not require a visa or entry certificate to visit the United Kingdom. The Government will meet this request. As we have made clear on many occasions, visitors from Hong Kong are welcome to come to the United Kingdom. British Dependent Territories citizens do not have to obtain a visa in advance to visit the United Kingdom. the position under the current immigration rules and this Government has no intention of introducing any visa requirement for such visitors. This is understandably a matter of great importance to people in Hong Kong. In response to their wishes, therefore, the Government have agreed that an endorsement reflecting this position should be placed in the new British National (Overseas) passports. The endorsement will read:
"In accordance with the United Kingdom Immigration Rules, the holder of this passport does not require an entry certificate or visa to visit the United Kingdom.'
A Leaflet will be issued with each passport explaining the endorsement and the position under the immigration rules.
"The Council's second request was that former servicemen in Hong Kong who served in the defence of Hong Kong in the Second
The number World War should be granted British citizenship. involved is about 270. In view of their particular service, the Government will meet the spirit of this request. It is not possible under the British Nationality Act 1981 to confer British citizenship on them all regardless of the nature of their service
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or their