A Selective Scheme is unfair/will create bitterness among those not
selected
Although Hong Kong people have inevitably expressed disappointment that the number of passports on offer is smaller than they had
hoped, few have protested that the selection scheme is unfair.
There is a recognition that the British Government has gone as far
as it can and that if those selected remain in the territory, it
will give more confidence to all to remain.
The selection criteria will be as objective as possible, in order
to ensure that people in Hong Kong will see it as a merit based
scheme and not one based on wealth or influence. To the extent that
it contributes to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, it should benefit the community as a whole, improving confidence and
thereby easing the emigration problem.
Hong Kong people are used to points schemes operated by Canadian and Australian for a number of years. Selective schemes are not regarded in Hong Kong as arbitrary or divisive. It is not in their psychology to resent those who succeed.
POPAES (10)