XN000022-1997-02-19 — Page 17

Immigration (Amendment) Bill 1997: second reading

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in moving the second reading of the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 1997 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I move the Second Reading of the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 1997. The Bill seeks to remove the right to land of resident British citizens, to grant them the unconditional stay status in lieu, and to abolish the procedures applicable only to the removal or deportation of British citizens.

The immigration status of British citizens in Hong Kong is at present different from that of other foreign nationals. This reflects the special relationship between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. As this special relationship will change on 1 July 1997, it is natural to expect that there will be a change in the immigration status of British citizens. British citizens themselves, as well as their employers, have also expressed concern about such changes; in particular, they would wish such changes to be clarified, decided, and put in place in advance of 1 July 1997, so that those affected would be given a reasonable, but not overly long period within which they can make adjustments.

In November 1996, we consulted the public, including the British community in Hong Kong on a package of changes. Our proposals are based on three considerations:

(i)

(ii)

First, any change should put British citizens broadly on par with, but not in a disadvantaged position vis-à-vis other foreign nationals;

Secondly, reference should be made to how Hong Kong residents will be treated by the United Kingdom; and

(iii) Thirdly, there should be transitional arrangements to minimise the

disruption caused to British citizens in Hong Kong.