TNAG-0354-FCO40-390-Legislation-for-immigration-and-deportation-in-Hong-Kong-1972 — Page 114

CONFIDENTIAL

Immigration of United Kingdom Citizens into Hong Kong Draft circular saving telegram to British Missions in all Foreign and Commonwealth Countries, to Governors and Administrators of Dependent Territories, and to the British

Government Representative Countries

The Government of Hong Kong has decided to introduce new

measures for the control of United Kingdom citizens entering Hong Kong.

Such persons will in future be placed on a time limitation, and require

permission to work, study, take up residence or commence a business in the

Colony. No visas will be required. United Kingdom citizens (and their wives and children) who have been ordinarily resident in Hong Kong on a continuous basis for at least seven years will have a right to land in the

Colony. The following instructions will therefore apply from 1st April,

1972.

The Summary of Visa Regulations will be amended as soon as possible.

2.

(a)

(b)

These new measures apply to

all persons holding United Kingdom passports issued in the

United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland (including

the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) provided that the

document is not endorsed to the effect that issue was made on

behalf of some other territories;

persons born, adopted, naturalised, or registered as British

subjects in the United Kingdom who have not renounced their

British nationality.

Entry into Hong Kong

3.

All such United Kingdom citizens, whether entering the Colony as tourists, short-term visitors, or with the intention of residing in Hong

Kong for whatever purpose, will be allowed to enter the Colony without a

visa for six months, provided normal immigration requirements are met, i.e.

possession of valid passport, no adverse record and adequate funds.

Applications for extensions of stay will be granted liberally.

Entry for Employment etc.

Applications to enter Hong Kong for employment, residence, study

etc. will be considered after entry into Hong Kong. They will normally be

approved.

4.

/Applicants.....

CONFIDENTIAL