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been resident in Hong Kong would be allowed to come to the United Kingdom to settle and to apply for British citizenship in the normal way. The assurance was extended to the wives
and widows of those servicemen who served in the defence of
Hong Kong during the Second World War, irrespective of the husband's nationality. This is a small group (a few dozen) and their call to be granted British citizenship without
having to travel to the UK generates considerable sympathy for
their cause in Hong Kong.
8.
As further reassurance, the Government has introduced arrangements which enable the spouses to be registered with
the Immigration Department in Hong Kong; any subsequent application for entry clearance can be processed very quickly
indeed.
9.
The Hong Kong Government told LegCo Councillor Jimmy
McGregor last November that they would ask HMG to look again
at the case for exemption for this group. We have asked the
Home Office at official level to consider HKG's proposals. But since new primary legislation would be necessary, it seems
unlikely that the Home Office will be able to do more.
Registration of Children of "Split" Families
10.
Dr C H Leong has been prominent in pursuing this issue. A number of British citizen parents in Hong Kong may transmit
their citizenship to children born in Hong Kong on or after
1.1.1983 (when the British Nationality Act 1981 came into
force) but are not able to transmit the citizenship to
children born in Hong Kong before that date. The Home
Secretary agreed last September to look "generously and
speedily" at applications from families in this anomalous
position. 112 applications out of 190 received so far have
been successful. None have been refused.
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