FROM HONG KONG BILL UNIT
statement
on
20
December.
84.12.1998 11:43
NO. 2 P. 3
First,
that
current rates
of
emigration and reduced confidence pose a real threat to Hong Kong's stability in the period before 1997. Second, that most of those who are emigrating do so reluctantly, because it is the only means of acquiring the assurance of a foreign passport. And thirdly, that most of them would remain if such an assurance were
available without the need to leave Hong Kong.
The discussions which have taken place since December with the Hong Kong Government and the representations which have been received from many Hong Kong interests, including British firms
have reinforced our
these conviction that operating there,
assumptions are correct.
Let it be admitted from the outset: the remedy that the Bill offers represents an unprecedented departure from the normal We considered very carefully principles of our nationality law. whether a scheme leading to entry clearance, rather than full
citizenship, would have sufficed.
However, it is clear that
On the contrary,
such a solution would not resolve the problem.
entry clearance assurances would have precisely the opposite of
the intended effect by drawing recipients to the UK in order to establish the residential qualification for citizenship.
The Governor of Hong Kong has assured us that the assurance of
All the evidence citizenship is the only effective remedy. emerging from Hong Kong supports this and the Government
is
persuaded that it is so.