THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG
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and economic conditions in Hong Kong: for example, in relation to Hong Kong the United Kingdom made reservations relating to immigration and to the deportation of aliens.
Section XIV: Right of Abode, Travel Documents and Immigration
48. This section concerns the right of abode in the Hong Kong SAR, the travel docu- ments to be used by residents of the SAR, and immigration matters. It provides for a high degree of continuity in these areas consistent with the change in Hong Kong's status on 1 July 1997.
49. The first paragraph defines the categories of people who will have the right of abode (including the right to enter, re-enter, live and work) in the Hong Kong SAR. These include:
(a) Chinese nationals who were born in Hong Kong or have lived there continuously for
at least 7 years;
(b) Chinese nationals born outside Hong Kong to Chinese nationals who have the right
of abode in Hong Kong;
(c) all non-Chinese nationals who have lived in Hong Kong continuously for at least 7
years and who have taken it as their place of permanent residence; and
(d) any others who had the right of abode only in Hong Kong before 1 July 1997. Non-Chinese nationals born in Hong Kong to parents who have the right of abode there also have the right of abode but will retain it after the age of 21 only if they have met the requirements of seven years' residence and of taking Hong Kong as their place of permanent residence. The SAR Government will issue permanent identity cards to all those with the right of abode in the SAR. These cards will state the holder's right of abode.
50. This section of the Annex states that Chinese nationals who have the right of abode in the Hong Kong SAR will be eligible for passports issued by the SAR Government. Other persons who have the right of abode, or are otherwise lawfully resident, in the SAR will be eligible for other travel documents issued by the SAR Government. Both these categories of persons may also use travel documents issued by the competent authorities of the People's Republic of China or by other governments to travel to and from the SAR: these include passports issued by the United Kingdom (see paragraphs 63 to 64 below).
51. The Annex makes clear that the right to leave the Hong Kong SAR for any purpose, e.g. business, study or emigration, will be maintained subject to the normal exceptions under the law. To facilitate entry by SAR residents into third countries, all travel documents issued to them will either include a reference to their right to return to the SAR or refer to the fact that they hold a permanent identity card as evidence of their right of abode in the SAR. The SAR Government will be assisted or authorised by the Central People's Government to conclude agreements with states or regions which provide for the mutual abolition of visa requirements.
Annex II: Terms of Reference of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group
52. As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs emphasised in his press conference in Hong Kong on 1 August 1984, it is fully agreed between the British Government and the Chinese Government that the British Government will remain responsible for the administration of Hong Kong until 30 June 1997. Nonetheless there will, of course, be a number of areas relating to the implementation of the Joint Declaration where further consultation between the two Governments will be required after the Joint Declaration has entered into force. One obvious example in the future is the arrangements