3
2.8
2.9
locally. It remains one of the few institutions that is authorised to issue these
certificates.
It was estimated that in 1985 Indian controlled firms accounted for 10% of the
total export trade of Hong Kong. Indian traders were pioneers of trade in some
regions of the world. Their contribution in this aspect was quite out of
proportion to their numbers. The acting Secretary for Security acknowledged in
the Legislative Council on 18th November 1992: ".....the very substantial
contribution which the ethnic minorities have made to Hong Kong's economic
prosperity."
In recent decades they have been highly visible in the professions too, for
example in law, medicine, banking, accountancy and journalism.
3.
Hong Kong - the Transfer of Sovereignty
3.1
On 1st July, 1997 Hong Kong reverts to Chinese sovereign rule.
3.2
Hong Kong people of Chinese descent will automatically qualify for Chinese
nationality. The ethnic minorities will not so qualify.
3.3
3.4
About 7,000 to 8,000 of these ethnic minorities are presently BDTC or BNO
passport holders, including 4,500 Indians and 2,500 Pakistanis. Of this figure,
it is anticipated that approximately 1,500 may obtain full British citizenship
under the British Nationality which will confer on 50,000 Hong Kong families
this benefit. This will leave approximately 5,500 to 6,500 affected minorities
seeking full British citizenship.
On 1st July, 1997 the BDTC status will cease to exist and in its place will be the
BNO or British Overseas Citizen ("BOC"). Neither of these will entitle the
affected minorities to the right of abode in the United Kingdom or in any British
Dependent Territories.
INDIAN RESOURCES GROUP