CTWAFV
BRIEF C: ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG UP TO 1997: NATIONALITY
1. Arrangements made for BDTCs up to and beyond 1997
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(a) Existing arrangements
Present nationality and immigration position of Hong Kong British nationals reflects Britain's global policies in these areas dating back to 1960s. Those policies were not specifically directed at Hong Kong, nor were they conceived with the change in Hong Kong's status in 1997 in mind. Present laws reflect wishes of Parliament
as they have developed over the years.
We believe that We are firmly committed to Hong Kong's future. Joint Declaration and draft Basic Law provide suitable framework within which Hong Kong people can look to future with confidence. All our efforts are directed towards ensuring that Hong Kong remains a dynamic and thriving place where people will continue to want to make their homes. Our objective in all of this must be to ensure that Hong Kong does not lose out.
The Government have noted calls for Hong Kong people to be given right of abode in Britain. That would require a change in the law. I have to say quite frankly that I do not believe that it is realistic to think in those terms. I do not believe that it would be acceptable to Parliament, or to the British public at large, to give 3 1/4 million people the automatic right of abode in this country, even if most of those concerned had no intention of leaving Hong Kong.
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