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status by registration (again, if they would otherwise
be stateless).
[5
Fourthly,
this.
concern
has been expressed
the
limitations on the transmissibility of
of the ethnic
minorities' British nationality status to future generations. They are, however, in no way unique in No form of British nationality will be transmissible indefinitely in Hong Kong. The British Government cannot give indefinite rights to transmit nationality from one generation to the next, especially where the territory in question is non- British. These limitations in respect of future generations would apply even if they were to be given British citizenship (assuming they remained in Hong Kong, as they have said they wish to do).
The Government therefore remains firmly of the view
that it is
is neither necessary nor appropriate to introduce legislation to give the ethnic minorities British citizenship. They are of course free along with all other BDTCS to apply for British citizenship under the Selection Scheme which was set up under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990.
I
understand that the ethnic minorities who have applied
have been successful in the same proportion (about
60%) as other applicants. The Scheme could not, however, be arranged to give preference to the ethnic
minorities.
It is designed on an impartial and objective basis
under which points are awarded according to set
*