TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 174

G.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL #B

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XCCI(80)19

Immigration Ordinance

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In the time available it has not been possible to consider what, if any, changes would be necessary to the Immigration Ordinance (Chapter 115) if the proposals in the White Paper are accepted and included in a new British Nationality Law. Some amendments seem likely.

Financial Aspects

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It is not possible to estimate at this stage what, if any, expenditure may be involved in implementing any changes which may be required in future, but generally speaking expenditure on the issue of travel documents and on naturalisation and registration procedures is covered by fees and charges.

Public Relations aspects

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The White Paper will be of wide spread interest to many in Hong Kong who may feel that their status, especially their immigration status, will be affected by the proposed changes. The point will be made that this is a UK White Paper which follows the UK Green Paper of 1977 and contains HMG's conclusions on the form of the proposed Nationality Bill. It still requires to be debated and thereafter its provisions will need incorporation in legislation which in turn will have to be submitted to Parliament. A further point will also be made that some changes have already been secured to the proposals included in the Green Paper and as a result a third category of citizenship for people in the Dependencies has been accepted in principle. The point will be made that the White Paper will not change the present immigration rules for Hong Kong people wishing to go to the United Kingdom or alter the relationship between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong nor HMG's commitment to Hong Kong. In background briefings it will be explained that the White Paper is long and complicated, and that it will not be possible to advise on the status of individuals unless they fall into the general categories outlined in the Paper and that some opportunity remains for further representation.

Publicity

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(a)

The following steps will be taken to publicise the proposals:-

Copies of the While Paper and this Information Note will be sent to Members of the Legislative Council who will be briefed by the Acting Governor on the 30th July.

CONFIDENTIAL

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