MTHAFE
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J: NATIONALITY AND IMMIGRATION
1. Entry to the UK by Hong Kong British Passport Holders
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.
BN (0) passport holders have the same entitlements to enter and leave the UK as enjoyed by BDTC passport holders. This means they can come to visit or study without any prior formalities. But because they do not have the right of abode in UK, certain categories, primarily those coming with a view to settlement, are required to establish their claim beforehand.
There is no question of discrimination against Hong Kong travellers by British immigration officials. Last year of 61,000 Hong Kong British Passport holders traveeling to Britain only 310 were denied entry, when immigration officials were not satisfied that the purpose of the visit or the proposed length of stay were
genuinely explained. All countries and territories, including Hong Kong, operate such rules.
2 Entry refusal cases
We are well aware of the concern felt in Hong Kong about cases in which Hong Kong British passport holders have been refused entry to the UK. There have also been complaints relating to UK Immigration and entry procedures. These were raised with My rt hon and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary during his visit to Hong Kong in May and with my noble Friend, the Lord Glenarthur when he visited Hong Kong at the end of June. We are actively pursuing with the Home Office, the complaints, and suggestions put to my colleagues while they were in Hong Kong. There are of course formal channels of appeal against any decision to refuse entry. Some of the complainants have lodged appeals. We must now await the outcome,
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