MAY.02 '86 11:20 GMT HO 2 LUNAR HOUSE
P.02
5.
I do not propose to describe in detail the provisions of the Order. I would only remind the House that it establishes those who, because of their connection solely with Hong Kong will cease to be British Dependent Territories citizens in 1997, and gives them the right to acquire British National (Overseas) status and the passport that goes with it. The Order makes provisions also to guard against statelessness and for the necessary amendments to the existing legislation largely to reflect the fact that from 1 July 1997 Hong Kong will no longer be a dependent territory, but restored to the People's Republic of China.
6. These provisions have been extensively debated both here and in Hong Kong. The debates, while recognizing that the arrangements set out in the draft Order generally met our obligations and intentions under the Agreement and the lot, fuuussed on three particular points which had been strongly advocated by the Hong Kong Legislative Council. They were first that there should be an endorsement in British National (Overseas) passports to the effect that the holder did not require a visa or entry certificate to visit the United Kingdom. Secondly, that former servicemen in Hong Kong who fought in its interests during the second World War should be granted British citizenship. And thirdly that British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong who were not ethnically Chinese and who had no other form of nationality should be granted British citizenship in 1997 rather than British Overseas citizenship. The Government listened closely to those who argued in support of these requests, and undertook to consider each of them very carefully. My hon and learned Friend the
Minsiter of State and my hon Friend the Minister of State at the Foreign Office, who also visited Hong Kong at the beginning of the year, met representatives of the Council of Hong Kong Indian Associations. Officials have also had very full meetings with Hong Kong officials on the details of all the proposals, and we have received full and very clear reports from the Governor in Hong Kong. Each of the proposals raised practical and other difficulties and each needed careful detailed and imaginative examination.
7. The House will know from my announcement on 23 April that, as a result, we have been able to meet two of the three requests from the Legislative Council.
For the British National (Overseas) passport we will place in each an endorsement which 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." This was a matter of considerable concern in Hong Kong and I am glad that we have been able to meet the wishes of people there. Visitors from Hong Kong are welcome. British Dependent Territories citizens do not have to obtain a visa in
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