or British Overseas Citizens. They have right of abode in Hong Kong now, and after 1997 would continue to have such a right if they have no right of abode elsewhere.
As regards the request for full British Citizenship from the wives and widows of former servicemen, the immigration and nationality status of these people was fully debated during the passage of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990. Parliament decided not to exempt these people from the residential requirements prescribed by the British Nationality Act 1981 but assurances were given by the Home Secretary that the wives and widows of former servicemen would be allowed to settle in the United Kingdom at any time in the future and if they choose to settle here they would in due course become eligible to apply for British Citizenship in the normal way. A further assurance given by Mr Lloyd on 10 June 1991 was passed on by a Legco Committee Convenor, Rosanna Tam, on 30 July 1991 to each individual in this category. Nevertheless, we have asked the Home Office to look again at the case for exemption for this group of people.
(4) Persons of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Government is discussing this matter with the Chinese authorities. The exact number of people who would enjoy the right of abode in Hong Kong will depend on the interpretation of the specific articles in the Basic Law.
good wish
Yous ever.
Every
فسلال
ALASTAIR GOODLAD