GF 323
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CONFIDENTIAL #B
Need for Action
9.
The basis of visa-free access to third countries
for HKBDTCs is obscure and insecure in most cases. For
example, we do not know whether the 22 "VAA countries" allow HKBDTCS visa-free entry because they interpret the VAAS to cover HKBDTCS, or whether the visa-free convenience for HKBDTCS is their administrative
arrangements. But regardless of the basis, unless we make conscious efforts to secure continued visa-free access for
BN (O)s after 1997, some of the countries concerned might
withdraw the concession with the 1997 change-over for
various reasons e.g. some may feel that their VAA
obligation to Hong Kong should cease when Hong Kong ceases
to be a British colony.
Options
10.
There are three possible approaches we could
adopt regarding visa-free access for BN (0)s after 1997.
(A) To arrange for non-reciprocal visa-free access for
BN(0)s after 1997
11.
•
UK/HK could approach third countries for VAAS
which would provide visa-free access for BN (0)s after 1997
without our offering reciprocal concession.
12.
It seems reasonable to assume that the concerns
of third countries in the context of VAAS, apart from
political ones, would be -
(a)
(b)
returnability of Hong Kong travellers to
Hong Kong; and
reciprocal visa-free access for its
nationals to Hong Kong before 1997 and to
HKSAR after 1997.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密