D. NATIONALITY
13. HMG SHOULD GIVE HONG KONG PEOPLE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UK
Deeply sympathise with the people of Hong Kong at this worrying
Understand their anxiety to secure some form of ultimate
time.
assurance for themselves and their families.
But it would not be realistic to expect Parliament, or the
country as a whole, to support any proposal which involved massive
new immigration commitment by this country. That would run counter
to views expressed by successive Parliaments over 25 years.
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That said, Government will be considering carefully and
sympathetically whether anything can be done to meet concerns of
Hong Kong people.
14. IS IT POSSIBLE TO HELP CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF HONG KONG PEOPLE?
People in certain groups can already qualify to come here under existing rules.
But very difficult to define particular groups who might benefit:
selective changes could be divisive and discriminatory.
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Need to consider whether any changes would apply to Hong Kong only; and what effect there would be in Hong Kong on those who did not benefit from any changes.
But will certainly consider carefully any suggestions that might be made, including any recommendations from Foreign Affairs Select
Committee of another place.
ROZANT