اله الا الله الله العلي
Reference. HD-345-75
(116)
RESTRICTED
19 OCT 1993
Приликален
Mr Mulcahy
Migration and Visa department
CL 420
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR BN (0)S VISITING AUSTRIA
TE
1. Thank you for sending me a copy of the answer you received fron the Home Office about the returnability of BN (0) S.
2. Their reply is as we expected. Could you therefore please explain the situation to Vienna and instruct them to approach the Austrians formally now to ask them whether they would be prepared to negotiate a further amendment to the 1968 Exchange of Notes as explained in our telno 758 to Hong Kong. In doing this Vienna should make the following points: -
(i) Hong Kong BDTCs and BN (O)s have equal rights.
(ii) BN (0) passports entitle their holders to the legal right of abode in Hong Kong and the holder's returnability to Hong Kong is guaranteed both before 1997 and, by the Chinese government, thereafter.
(iii) BN (0)s currently visit many countries as well as the UK visa free.
(iv) Visa free access to third countries is important to Hong Kong residents and has an impact on the territory's present and future confidence and prosperity.
(v) Hong Kong travellers have a record of good behaviour and of paying their way. Neither has there been any history of illegal immigration from Hong Kong to Europe.
3.
I should be grateful if you could let us have sight of your telegramme before it is sent.
J Woodrow
Hong Kong Department
13 October 1993
visa.austria MINUTES
johnw
CODE 18-77
RESTRICTED
Bll.2
Oct
рас
يال
26/10.