TNAG-1125-FCO40-1400-British-Nationality-Act-1981-and-the-Dependent-Territories-1982 — Page 189

CONFIDENTIAL

(iii) those CUKCs whose grandparent (no matter which) is in

category (i) above.

3.

Concern was voiced in Parliament that the Act would create British Dependent Territories citizens who did not have the right of abode in the Dependency from which they acquired their citizen- ship. The Home Secretary responded by saying:

1

.. The differing circumstances of the individual territories make it impractical to provide through the Bill for citizenship of the British dependent territories to carry with it the right of abode in those territories generally. The immigration ordinances of the individual territories are a matter for the individual territories.

'Therefore, what will, I understand, happen is that the territories will review their immigration ordinances in the light of the Bill with a view, broadly speaking, to enabling those citizens of the British dependent territories who derive their citizenship from a connection with a particular territory to reside there. Although there may be difficulties in à small number of cases it is, I think, generally accepted by the dependencies that this should be done as far as is possible'. (Official Report: 28 January 1981 col 939).

4. Although the commencement of the Act is some months away, questions are likely to be asked in Parliament and Ministers will need to be in a position to give an account of the state of play. I should, therefore, be grateful if you could let me know when you would expect to be able to enact the necessary amendments to your Immigration Ordinance.

bcc: Mr Paterson, NTD, CL 501

CONFIDENTIAL

H McQuade

Hong Kong & General Department

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