01-MAR-1991 17:11
DIPECTOR OF ADM.
Q & A Brief
on British Nationality Scheme
852 877 0C90B
P.11
Q. 1
A. 1
Q. 2
A. 2
Q. 3
A. 3
Q. 4
A. 4
What is the final take-up situation regarding the
Britisn nationality scheme?
AS
at
29 February 1991, a total of 57,862 applications have been received. This is not the final figure, as some applications sent by registered mail will reach Immigration Department only today or tomorrow.
Are you satified with response? indicating the scheme a failure?
Lukewarm response
of
Response satisfactory. Furthermore, success scheme not to be judged by number of applications received. Announcement of scheme help to stabilize local confidence and act as catalyst in encouraging other countries to adopt similar assurance schemes. Objective of scheme is to provide Hong Kong people an option of an insurance policy. Scheme entirely voluntary.
Whether to apply or not is people's
personal decision.
Failure of a scheme to catch more applicants reflects local sentiments that they do not like the
British?
Not true.
The scheme has been successful so far. Scheme has achieved primary purpose of stabilising community.
Also acted as catalyst for other countries to implement similar schemes. More people having the faith to stay can only be good for Hong Kong. Don't believe this has anything to do with "anti-British feeling".
Why not seek extending deadline?
Scheme is designed as an insurance policy for those who want to stay in Hong Kong to continue to contribute to its stability and prosperity. One major element in this is to provide this insurance as quickly as possible. Extending deadline will not be fair to people who have already put in their applications, since all applications will have to be queued up before recommendations for citizenship can be made.