E.R.
12.
and the places available for each group will depend on the rate at which members of that group are emigrating. The individual applications will be assessed on a points system
for age, experience, qualifications, special circumstances,
proficiency in English, British links and community service.
In this way the general allocation scheme will target
assurances at those key workers who are most likely to leave
but are most needed in Hong Kong.
In addition some of the 50,000 places will be set aside for
the disciplined services police and prison officers etc.
These will also be allocated on a points system but adjusted
to meet the needs of each service. There will be a sensitive
services section for people who might be particularly
vulnerable after 1997. There will also be a small provision
for key entrepreneurs accounting for less than 1% of the total
places available.
13. Once Parliament has approved the selection scheme it is intended that the application process in Hong Kong will be launched as quickly as possible. Applications will be processed by the Hong Kong Government and a small team of
officials from the UK will be posted to Hong Kong in order to
consider recommendations from the Governor as to who should
be granted citizenship, to issue certificates of registration,
and to supervise the issue of passports. It is hoped that
the first grants of citizenship will be made in the Spring or
early Summer of 1991.
Arrangements made by other Governments
14. Some countries have already found ways to give Hong Kong people the assurance of right of abode without their having
to leave the territory and the British Government has
encouraged others to do so. Such assurances help to promote
confidence in Hong Kong by encouraging people to remain in the territory and to continue to
to contribute to its success.
Singapore has already introduced a scheme to give permanent
residence status to up to 25,000 blue collar workers and their
families without requiring them to leave Hong Kong for a