H.
MTHAFE
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NATIONALITY
Entry to the UK
I am happy to confirm that BDTCs and BN (0)s are exempt from any
requirement to hold an entry certificate or visa to visit the UK.
BN (0) passports are endorsed to this effect.
There is no intention of imposing a visa requirement on BN (0)
visitors to the UK.
BN (0) passport holders have the same entitlements to enter and
leave the UK as enjoyed by BDTC passport holders. They can come to visit or study without any prior formalities. But because they do
not have the right of abode in the UK, certain categories, primarily those coming with a view to settlement, are required to establish
their claim beforehand.
H
Implications for immigration to UK
There are estimated to be about 20,000 British citizens in Hong
Kong. They have the right of abode in the UK. BDTCs and BN (0)s do
not have the right of abode in the UK and will not have it in 1997.
Those Hong Kong residents who are subject to UK immigration control
will normally qualify to come here only if they satisfy the
requirements of the immigration rules.
Accept Hong Kong BDTCS/BN (0)s for resettlement in UK
I believe it would be wrong to single out Hong Kong BDTCs for
special treatment. Our aim in negotiating the Joint Declaration was
to create a secure future for Hong Kong and an environment in which
Hong Kong people can continue to live and work with confidence. I
believe that we have achieved this. But spokesmen for the
Government made clear during the debates on the Nationality Order in
Council that if circumstances were to change in the future we would
expect the Government of the day to consider sympathetically whether
to admit them on a case by case basis.
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