NESAAT( 8 )
IV : NATIONALITY
HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD BE GIVEN RIGHT OF ABODE
Prime Minister has already made clear it would be impossible for
the Government to give right of abode to all the people of Hong
Kong. Potential practical difficulties would be overwhelming.
Believe this is increasingly understood and accepted in Hong Kong.
Sure that great majority on both sides of the house and in the
country share this view.
ONLY AN INSURANCE POLICY, NOT ALL WOULD COME
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No one can
Unlike any other such policy, it is one on which claims could be
made by all the potential beneficiaries at any time.
predict how many would come; but the numbers could be very great.
WHAT ASSURANCES CAN HMG PROVIDE?
We are working on a scheme to give the assurance of the right of
abode to some people in the private and public sectors on the basis
of value of service to Hong Kong as well as connections with UK.
Our aim is to give people whose professional, administrative,
technical and managerial skills are essential for the continued
success of Hong Kong the confidence to remain in the territory.
Hope to announce details as soon as possible.
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WHY THE DELAY?
Know that details of scheme are anxiously awaited in Hong Kong.
Determined to achieve a fair and viable scheme. Not an easy
task. Vital to get the details right. Would not help Hong Kong if
we were to take premature decisions.
WHAT WILL BE DONE FOR CROWN SERVANTS?
Crown servants have crucial role to play in the years up to 1997
and beyond.
Section 4(5) of British Nationality Act already Clearly scope for more generous application of rules.
available.