XN000022-1996-05-08 — Page 37

Reply:

(d)

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

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when it will review the current policy permitting British citizens to work in the territory; and whether, apart from British citizens, there are citizens of other countries or territories who can work here without a visa and, if so, whether such an arrangement will also be reviewed as well?

No statistics are kept on the purpose of entry of British Citizens. We are therefore not in a position to explain the reason for the rise in the number of British Citizens coming to Hong Kong in recent months. In looking at the figures quoted by the Honourable Chan Yuen-han in the question, it should be borne in mind that they represent only the number of British Citizens in Hong Kong at particular times and they fluctuate from time to time. It should also be borne in mind that not all British Citizens entered Hong Kong for employment reasons; some, for example, may well have entered Hong Kong to join family members. Also, many British Citizens in Hong Kong may already have the right of abode in Hong Kong.

The criteria for non-Chinese nationals to acquire the right of abode in the Hong Kong SAR after June 30, 1997 are set out in Article 24(2)(4) of the Basic Law. Those who meet the criteria stipulated in this Article will be eligible for the right of abode in the Hong Kong SAR. The precise application of this Article is under discussion with the Chinese side. There is no reason why we should take any action now to prevent British citizens, or for that matter any other foreign nationals, from satisfying those criteria.

(c&d) As regards parts (c) and (d) of the question, employers at present do not have to comply with the conditions for importing foreign workers under the Importation of Labour Schemes when they employ British citizens. Apart from British citizens, no other nationals are allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong without an employment visa. immigration status of British citizens in Hong Kong reflects the special relationship between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. We have no plans to propose any change at this stage.

The

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