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whole. We believed that the extra points available under
the Scheme for employees of British companies is sufficient and should prove the deciding factor in whether a person is
successful or not where the choice is between otherwise
equally qualified candidates.
4. The British business community are keen on an idea
floated at an early stage of the nationality scheme, and
included in the Foreign Secretary's initial statement on
20 December 1989, but abandoned in the final draft, to allow
a two year secondment in the UK along with three years' service with the British company in Hong Kong to count
towards eventual naturalisation as a British citizen (ie the
Approved Secondment Scheme). The attraction to British
companies is that it gives them the choice of which staff
will benefit. Although not included in the main scheme, the
Government are still looking at ways of introducing some
form of ASS, probably under existing immigration
regulations.
5. Quite a number of British businessmen with foreign wives
campaigned for them to be granted British citizenship. The Government did not consider that it was appropriate for them to be included in the main scheme but categorical assurances
have been given in Parliament to ease their concerns. The Government have also set up an arrangement whereby the spouse of a British citizen in Hong Kong can provide the
Immigration Department with details of the marriage and a
letter will be issued, on the Home Secretary's behalf
explaining that the spuose is eligible to settle in the UK. These further assurances will also apply to widows provided
they are still in Hong Kong and have not remarried.
6. The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong are also
keen to secure representation on the Governor's Steering Group (which will advise him on the operation of the
Selection Scheme under 1990 Act). The Governor has agreed
to the appointment of the Senior British Trade Commissioner
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CONFIDENTIAL