E.R.
B.15.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR GRANTING SETTLEMENT TO FORMER
SERVICEMEN AND NON-CHINESE BDTCs
Settlement would be granted outside the Rules under the provisions
of section 4(1) of the Immigration Act 1971. Those seeking settlement
would apply to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for a settlement
entry clearance in the normal way. The criteria in relation to former
servicemen and their dependants are clearly defined and I can see no
reason why these applications should not be resolved quickly.
[If pressed: If non-Chinese BDTCs were to come under
pressure to leave Hong Kong at some time in the future,
the Government of the day would need to establish
arrangements for granting settlement in the light of
the circumstances at the time.]