PARLIAMENTARY UNDER
SECRETARY OF STATE
My
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Marris MCB.J
Q
Dear it lister,
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see (56)
HOME OFFICE
QUEEN ANNE'S GATE
LONDON SWIH 9AT
12 May 1993
DRAFT REPLY PLS.
Nick All~13/5
afslank Goossens
Thank you
you for your letter of 19 April about the Hong Kong Legislative Council's recent motion about citizenship for the ethnic minorities. I read with interest the official report of LegCo's debates on 18 November and 10 March and have also seen a copy of LegCo paper 1817/92.93 which informed the more recent debate.
They
The arguments advanced have changed little over the years. were examined very fully both within the context of debates on the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Order 1986 and British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990 and in response to other representations. I have to say that having looked again at these and having examined very closely the points made recently in Hong Kong I see no case for seeking any change in the Government's policy.
The fact is that the ethnic minorities currently have the same opportunities as the ethnically Chinese population to acquire British nationality (Overseas) or British citizenship. Fears keep being expressed that the ethnic minorities, their children or their grandchildren will be stateless and have no right of abode in Hong Kong, but these fears are groundless. Specific provision to cover these points has been made in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. Under the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986 those who hold some form of British nationality before the handover of Hong Kong to China are guaranteed to retain or acquire a form of British nationality after 30 June 1997.
HILD 340/16
Alistair Goodlad Esq MP
1 8 MAY 1993
/Fears also continue
Minister of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
LONDON SW1A 2AH
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