We are aware that concern has also been expressed about the absence of clear provisions on how non-Chinese people can prove that they have taken Hong Kong as their place of permanent residence. The Joint Declaration makes explicit provision for non-Chinese people to have right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and this is fully reflected in Article 24 (4) of the draft Basic Law. The Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance of 1987 will have to be further amended to bring Hong Kong law completely into line with the draft Basic Law. The Hong Kong Government have indicated that they propose to introduce the necessary amending legislation as soon as possible.
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Francis Maude