52. The present net outflow of skilled and professional
people is less than the number of newly qualified people
who enter the job market from the universities and other
tertiary institutions. The overall impact of emigration
on the economy is not serious, although shortages of
skilled personnel are being experienced by some companies
in certain sectors. The Hong Kong Government estimate,
however, that if the present net outflow were to continue
for some years, there could be some loss of efficiency.
They are therefore planning a series of measures designed
to contain the effects of emigration, such as
emphasis on training in the areas where there are
shortages of skilled people; or the establishment of
international schools to make it easier for people
settled abroad to return to Hong Kong with their
families. They are also seeking to make Hong Kong a more
attractive place for people to live and work, by steadily
improving the standard and quality of life in the
territory. Residents of Hong Kong have always been free
to come and go as they wish. There is certainly no
question of stopping people leaving Hong Kong and the
Joint Declaration provides for the maintenance of freedom
of movement after 1997.
XII: Nationality
53.
There are currently over 3.25 million Hong Kong
residents who are British Dependent Territory Citizens by
virtue of a connection with Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong