G.
RESTRICTED
ROBAFG
CONS
EMIGRATION FROM HONG KONG
We are watching emigration trends carefully. Hard to establish trends with certainty:
Hong Kong people very mobile, and often spend some years
abroad for reasons of study or training before returning.
But it seems that number of emigrant visas issued in 1987 by
recipient countries showed a marked increase over 1986. Number of
reasons for this, including increased opportunities for emigration
to some leading recipient countries, particularly Canada and
Australia.
Concern about the future may be one factor in influencing people's decisions, but it is by no means the only one.
Do not believe the pace of development of representative government is a particularly significant factor in their decisions.
Evidence is that many people return to Hong Kong after they have
obtained an overseas passport.
RESTRICTED
EMIGRATION