E.R.
NOTE OF A MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL : 27 JANUARY 1993
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Present:
Mr Wardle
Mr Rawsthorne
Mr Kelly
Ms Waugh
Mr Barnes
Ms Emily Lau
Ms Christine Loh Dr Leong Che-Hung Mr Ross Clarke
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This meeting had been requested to discuss
discuss the question of "British citizenship for Hong Kong British Subjects, particularly ethnic minorities whose dependants will become stateless after 1997".
2. Dr Leong opened by saying that he and his colleagues were concerned about the status of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong who had not retained passports issued by their own countries. He said that this group numbered around 6,000 - 7,000 and asked whether special provision could be made for them, especially as it was clear that the target of 225,000 for the Nationality Scheme was not going to be met. Ms Lau added that it was wrong of the British Government to fear that there would be a massive influx of people from Hong Kong if they were granted citizenship.
3.
Mr Wardle said that the Nationality scheme provided for a total of 50,000 heads of households plus their dependants. The figure of 225,000 was merely illustrative and the fact that this figure may not be met was irrelevant. He explained that there were no plans to change the legislation but stressed that the Scheme was open to all in Hong Kong. In addition when he was Home Secretary, Mr Hurd, had given an assurance that if any group or individual was facing difficulty, sympathetic consideration would be given to admitting them to the United Kingdom. Finally Mr Wardle said that these people would retain their British Overseas citizen status for the next 2 generations. Ms Lau informed Mr Wardle that her research indicated that a total of 400 applications from ethnic minorities had been made of which 220 had been successful. However, she felt that the Scheme was progressing too slowly. Mr Wardle explained the Scheme was on target and that around 80% of the total places would have been allocated by the end of 1993.
4. Dr Leong thanked Mr Wardle
Wardle for the work that had been carried out in relation to split families. Mr Kelly confirmed that all the cases should be resolved within the next few months.
RECF
HKD 34676
2 8 JAN 1993
INDI
100