VISIT OF MINISTER FOR TRADE TO HONG KONG, 24-26 SEPTEMBER
1990
VISIT OF BOTB CHAIRMAN TO HONG KONG, 29 SEPTEMBER 1990
DEFENSIVE POINTS
Nationality and Related Issues
We are aware of the concerns of British companies in Hong
Kong on the loss of key personnel through emigration. This
is why the Government introduced the British Nationality
(Hong Kong) Act, which received Royal Assent on 25 July this
year.
We believe that the extra points within the scheme available to employees of British companies will be
sufficient. It is envisaged that the differences in points
count between the better candidates are likely to be very
small. Where the choice is between otherwise equally
qualified candidates, the extra points for British Links are very likely to be decisive.
Realise that many companies in Hong Kong were
disappointed that the Approved Secondment Scheme (ASS) was
not included in the Act. Can assure you that the Government are still considering how the interest of companies can best
be protected.
The
Government are aware of the concerns of a number of
British expatriate businessmen with foreign wives. Government have given categorical assurances in Parliament which should remove any concerns.
FABAMY/1
CONFIDENTIAL
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