TNAG-0210-FCO40-246-Briefs-and-background-notes-for-visit-of-Deputy-Under-Secret-1969 — Page 36

CONFIDENTIAL

Note No. 9

VISIT OF DEPUTY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE

(SIR LESLIE MONSON)

TO HONG KONG, OCTOBER, 1969

IMMIGRATION OF COMMONWEALTH CITIZENS INTO HONG KONG

On 27 August the Hong Kong Government announced that with effect from 8 September, 1969, they were introducing controls over the immigration of Commonwealth citizens into

the Colony. Details of the scheme of control are set out

in Foreign and Commonwealth telegram No. 478 to Rawalpindi a copy of which is attached. Visas will not be required in

the case of holders of U.K. passports issued in the U.K. or

visitors.

2

There has been no adverse reaction from the Governments

of Commonwealth countries and territories, some of whom were

notified in advance of Hong Kong's intentions.

3. The publicly stated reason for introducing the controls

is the need to limit the immigration into the Colony of unskilled workers who contribute nothing to the economy and

who may become a charge on public revenues. In fact the

controls are more specifically directed against the immigration of unskilled Pakistanis and Indians who were entering Hong Kong in increasing numbers during recent months. Moreover, it has been the strongly held view of Chinese unofficial members of

the Hong Kong Executive Council that unrestricted entry of Commonwealth citizens into the Colony should not be allowed

to continue in view of the lack of reciprocal facilities for

the unconditional entry of Hong Kong Chinese into other

Commonwealth countries.

4. The position of Commonwealth citizens already living in

Hong Kong will be safeguarded.

Hong Kong Department

October, 1969

CONFIDENTIAL