Selection Methods
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12. The exact systems will need to be finalised in the light of our revisions. Meanwhile, for illustrative purposes details of the proposed methods of selection for each of the component schemes are set out in Annex A. The effect is that I will grant citizenship on the basis of recommendations from the Governor, and I will be able to reject such recommendations only in limited circumstances which will be defined in the Bill, ie where an individual fails to satisfy the good character requirements.
13. In preparing recommendations, and overseeing the selection scheme, the Governor will have the assistance of a high powered Steering Group, which will be chaired by a very senior person (probably the Chief Secretary) and which will work closely with the Independent Commission Against Corruption, one of whose directors may be a participant in the Group. There is the question whether
whether HMG should be represented on this Steering Group. Although there will obviously be an expectation that the selection procedures for the award of British citizenship should be monitored by HMG to some degree, I would want to guard against
too great an involvement in
in the operation of the selection process. I shall consider this question further with the Foreign Secretary in the light of further proposals from Hong Kong on the precise constitution and formal role of the Steering Group.
The Mechanics of Selection
General Allocation Scheme (GAS)
i)
Allocation of Assurances by Group
14. The scheme is set out in paragraphs 6-15 of Annex A. Using the International Standard Classification of Occupations as a guide, HKG have divided the working population of Hong Kong into
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