TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 101

CONFIDENTIAL

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5.

While it has now to be accepted that neither the existing title "Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies" nor the prefix "British Subject" can be retained, we would wish to see the future Hong Kong passport as similar to the UK passport as it is now, and the present wording "British Passport" retained on the cover. We should also wish Citizens of the British Dependent Territories (Hong Kong) to be able to call themselves "British/Hong Kong" for the purpose of completing immigration papers, etc. These may appear to be minor practical points, but they are of special concern to Hong Kong passport holders because the acceptance of such 'minor points' would go a long way towards removing unnecessary difficulties that might well be caused to Hong Kong travellers if the future Hong Kong passport is so different that the British connection is not apparent to immigration officials of foreign governments. A point that has been emphasised to us is that in day-to-day travelling, travellers invariably have to deal with immigration officials of foreign governments at the most junior level, and at this sort of level, misunderstanding could most easily arise over such points.

Transmission of Citizenship of the British Dependent Territories

6. Your para. 6. We agree that a provision similar to what is proposed for British Citizens working overseas for transmission of citizenship to their children born abroad should be included for the dependent territories. We propose that the concession should apply in cases of citizens employed abroad by a Hong Kong based firm. The definition of a Hong Kong based firm should also include the Hong Kong office or branch of a firm which is not incorporated in Hong Kong. There are a number of such businesses here which employ local people who may be posted overseas temporarily. We feel that such persons should be allowed to benefit by the concession.

7.

We also propose that a provision similar to that which is proposed for Crown Servants in respect of British Citizenship should be made for the dependent territories (para. 57 of the White Paper). The provision should have the effect that the child of a Hong Kong citizen employed by the Hong Kong Government, or certain organisations subsidised by the Hong Kong Government, e. g. the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Tourist Association, should become a Hong Kong citizen by birth if the parent happens to be posted overseas from Hong Kong at the time of the child's birth.

Registration of Children as Citizens

8.

Your para. 6. We agree that a child born abroad to parents who are Citizens of the British Dependent Territories by descent should be entitled to citizenship by registration after a period of residence here with its parents.

CONFIDENTIAL

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