It is not clear what these provisions are and how they will work in practice. It is most unlikely that such "provisions" will have the effect desired, and may even be counter- productive for reasons for reasons fully below.
m
set out
4. Our concerns-
whilst we remain alive
Hong Kong is entering a unique period in its history. In 7 years time it will be handed back, against its will, to a regime which has demonstrated extreme volatility over the last thirty years; a regime which restricts most freedoms taken for granted in the West and which resorts to repressive methods to maintain power. Whilst we are hopeful that the future will nonetheless be good, that the terms of the Joint Declaration will be honoured and that Hong Kong will remain stable and prosperous, it would be foolish not to recognise the risks that this may not be the case. A depressingly large number of qualified local people have already indicated their lack of confidence in the future by taking the step of emigrating.
Most of us, that is British citizens settled here, are willing to stay and continue to contribute our skills and experience. However, for those of us whose spouses do not hold full British passports there are additional concerns as follows:
L
If a
i) It is a genuine concern of many in our position that a situation may occur in the future requiring a speedy departure from Hong Kong. Whilst we of course hope it will never happen, the possibility of civil disturbances is not unrealistic. Neither is it unrealistic to speculate on the possibility of anti-British sentiment. In such an unfortunate, but possible situation, how would he spouse of a British citizen be treated; particularly if she/he were Hong Kong Chinese? situation ever developed where one felt that the safety of one's family was at risk, would it not be entirely reasonable to return to Britain, if necessary at short notice? The problem is however that despite the official position that our spouses have the "absolute right" to enter Britain, the reality is far different. In an emergency there would be no time to wait for the months it currently takes for settlement clearance to be approved. As referred to above, in the case of those spouses holding BDTC or BNO documents there is the added possible problem of actually being allowed to leave Hong Kong.
ii) There are other situations which may occur requiring an urgent return to Britain such as illness or a sudden job opportunity in which case there would not be enough time for entry clearance to be granted.
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