TNAG-1188-FCO40-1490-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 167

(CUKC) who derive their citizenship from their birth,

registration or naturalisation in a dependent territory;

(ii) those CUKCs whose parent (father or mother) is in

category (i) above;

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

category (i) above.

2.

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 citizenship. The Home Secretary responded by saying

'... 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 a 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).

3.

I should be grateful if you would now consult your advisers with a view to amending your immigration law in such a way as to provide the right of abode for all BDTCs who will acquire that status through a connexion with your dependency and let me know their/reaction. Although 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