CODE 18-77
Ms Paris
HKD
ра
PA Br 28712
Reference
HKA
016/1
CHANGE IN COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FOR HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANT
flou
104
1. Mr Stephenson (MVD) passed on to me your minute of 16 December, concerning Mr Rowse's application for change of country of origin from the UK to Spain. EC nationals have a right under the Treaty of Rome to move to another EC member state to work, or to seek work, or for the provision or receipt of services.for remuneration. Under directives that entered into force this summer, the right of residence is also extended to students, retired persons, and others who are not economically active, providing they can satisfy the host state that they will not become a burden on its resources.
2. It follows that an individual does not have an absolute right of residence in another EC member state. Mr Rowse's application therefore strikes me as curious, though whether it is entirely spurious would depend on his precise circumstances.
3.
If you have more details, you may wish to consult Legal Advisers. I have discussed this with Mr P Berman, who also seeks clarification of the meaning of "country of origin" in this context (if it is literally where the individual comes from, it is hard to see how this can be changed).
PHB Baker
European Community Department
(Internal)
W39
270 2315
23 December 1992
Ми
c: Mr P Berman, Legal Advisers
Mr Stephenson, MVD
PBAK1221M1
108