TNAG-0910-FCO40-1120-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 21

CODE 18-77

CS ? 73

Mr R Bedford PPD (CG 212)

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VISA WORK IN BANGKOK

Reference

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HKK 345/2

RECEIVED IN RYKPY NO. 51

19010

DESK OFFICER, INDEX

BELISORY Acupo Takeo

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1. I attach a draft telegram to Bangkok arising out of my discussions on 15 October with Mr Carter of the Hong Kong Immigration Service.

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2. By means of rather cumbersome and perhaps time-consuming procedures it might be possible to effect a reduction in the number of Taiwanese applying in Bangkok for Hong Kong transit visas.

3. Indeed it might be agreed by Mr Carter and our Consulate in Bangkok that they would stop issuing transit visas altogether to Taiwanese and oblige them to obtain these from Hong Kong before they set out on their journey.

In the normal course Taiwanese applications sent direct to Hong Kong would take up to two weeks depending on whether the traveller lived in Taipei or in the countryside.

4. This action would of course greatly relieve the pressure on our visa staff, but HMG would thereby be surrendering about £100,000 in visa fees. Presumably we do not wish to deprive ourselves of this money.

5. It would be a great deal simpler all round and more satis- factory to the Taiwanese if small amount of the £100,000 could be allocated to the cost of recruiting a couple more locally engaged staff. I imagine it would not be necessary for them to have higher rank than LE III. If this could be agreed, the draft telegram would of course need to be radically amended.

16 October 1979

Cc:

Mr WE Quantrill HK&G (K 247)

Mr R.E. Fursland

JR Jamie son

Migration and Visa Department CL 409 213 4216

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