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MACAU
Although not a part of Portuguese territory, Macau is administered by Portugal and as such is in a similar situation to Hong Kong. We were therefore concerned throughout the latter stages of the enlargement negotiations that the Portuguese might seek some form of special status for Macau with regard to the Community which would place it in an advantageous position viz a viz Hong Kong. We therefore took steps to avoid this eventuality and no request for special treatment materialised.
However, we found out after the completion of formal negotiations and shortly before the Treaty was due to be signed that, unlike British Dependent Territory Citizens (BDTCs) in Hong Kong, significant number (best estimate: 85,000) of citizens of Macau As Portuguese law might be entitled to Portuguese nationality. does not distinguish between different types of nationality in the same way as UK law these citizens would be entitled to enter the UK on exactly the same basis of citizens of metropolitan Portugal In other words, after Portugal accedes to the Community, Portuguese passport holders from Macau would have the same rights of access to the UK as nationals of other Member States, subject only to the transitional arrangements included in the Accession Treaty (a 7 year transitional period during which Portuguese nationals are subject to work permit controls for salaried employment).
Clearly this would place Portuguese passport holders in Macau in more favourable position than Hong Kong BDTCS. Since many of those entitled to Portuguese passports are reported to speak English a substantial number might seek entry to the UK. problem is exacerbated by evidence of corruption in the issue of Portuguese passports.
The
We therefore approached the Portuguese both bilaterally and through the EC in an attempt to persuade them to make a declaration on the lines of a UK declaration when we joined the
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