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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
But we
are free to leave the territory if they wish.
must at the same time be careful to ensure that, by our
own words and actions, we are not seen to be actively
encouraging the flow of talent and capital from the
territory.
NATIONALITY
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
18. There is still concern and resentment in Hong Kong
about nationality matters, and in particular about the
fact that holders of Hong Kong British passports do not
have the right of abode in this country. Some people in
the territory and in this country believe that Britain
should open its doors more widely to Hong Kong British
passport holders. This feeling is not new: it has
existed since the early 1960s when restrictions were
first introduced. But the controversy reawakens each
time new legislation enshrining this situation is
passed. The British Nationality Act of 1981 created
particularly strong resentment. The fact that Portuguese
Nationality Law as applied to Macao means that henceforth
some Macao residents will be able to enter the UK more
easily than Hong Kong British passport holders has
provoked bitterness.
Groups such as civil servants have
strong feelings about what they perceive as the UK's
obligations towards its nationals in Hong Kong. By
focussing people's attention on their future, the Joint
Declaration has heightened resentment about this issue in
Hong Kong.