TNAG-1081-FCO40-1331-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 32

RESTRICTED 內部文件

BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL 19

See 128,

+(138

This memorandum examines areas in

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TRY NO. $1

MAR 1981

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127

of Hong Kong based Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies *(CUKCs) will be eroded if the British Nationality Bill 1981 is

enacted in its present form, proposes amendments to the Bill which would generally have the effect of preserving such rights; and makes some other comments on the Bill.

Erosions of Existing Rights

2.

The existing rights of Hong Kong CUKCs will be eroded in the following ways if the Bill is enacted in its present form:

(a) Common Citizenship with the UK: the most fundamental change in the status of Hong Kong CUKCS is that they will become Citizens of the British Dependent Territories (CBDTs) and will no longer share a common citizenship with those CUKCS based in the UK. effect is partly psychological (a sense of an old association being cut) and partly practical (third countries may be more restrïctive over entry of

CBDTs).

The

bit.

G.F. 324

نا

(b)

Right of Abode in the UK: a Hong Kong CUKC at present acquires the right of abode in the UK after five years' residence there, without any further formalities. In future the right of abode will have to be gained

by naturalisation for which a CBDT becomes eligible

only to apply, like an alien, after five years residence, without any assurance that his application will be

granted.

d bloody

(c). Wives: wives of citizens will no longer be able to

register at once but will have to apply for, ND naturalisation after, three years! residence. (On

!

the other hand, husbands of citizens have no right at present to register and can only acquire citizen- ship by naturalisation after fulfilling the normal requirements. In future they can seek naturalisation after three years' residence)....

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