3 years and is designed to ensure that the non-British spouse has some links with the United Kingdom independent of marriage and that he or she meets the requirements of the 1981 Act to be of good character.
For the most part, we expect the wives of expatriate British citizens will achieve settlement and, eventually, qualify for citizenship in the normal way if they, in due course, accompany their husbands to the United Kingdom. However, special arrangements apply for British citizens serving abroad in crown or designated service. The spouse of
such a person can be naturalised under Section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981 without a period of United Kingdom residence if the employing organisation can show that this would be in its, and the United Kingdom's, interests.
(3)
Pensions
You express concern about security of pensions and specifically about preservation of the value and payment of pensions after 1997. Pensions are of course the responsibility of the Hong Kong authorities, rather than HMG. As you know, the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law contain very clear assurances in respect of the continued payment of pensions after 1997, and there is no reason to believe that these undertakings will not be honoured by the future Hong Kong SAR Government. If, however, the situation warranted it, I am sure that the British Government of the day would take appropriate action in recognition of its responsibilities for HMOCS officers.
(4) Nationality Package
We are very glad to hear that the passage of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act has helped to allay the concerns of your local members. The Government attach great importance to the maintenance of an effective and well-motivated Police Force in Hong Kong. The Royal Hong Kong Police Force has an essential role to play in maintaining Hong Kong's stability and security in the crucial years up to 1997.
înt Put T. Th
Peter Tibber
Private Secretary to The Earl of Caithness