TNAG-1199-FCO40-1501-Hong-Kong-immigration-legislation-1982 — Page 27

XCC (82)1

CONFIDENTIAL #

Parliament. Generally speaking, the public and the media were critical of the UK legislation despite the fact that several significant amendments were secured. Against this background it can be expected that the publication of the Immigration (Amendment) (No 2) Bill will lead to a revival of this criticism.

Publicity

16

When the Bill is published a press release will be issued. It will be emphasised that apart from the changes in nomenclature the significant effect will be the change in the status of children born here, on or after 1 January 1983, to non-residents, illegal immigrants and Vietnamese refugees. The following points will also be re-emphasised if necessary

(a)

(b)

(c)

the Hong Kong Government achieved a good deal by ensuring that CUKCS connected with dependent territories were not classed with BOCs as was orginally proposed;

the maximum possible pressure was brought to bear to achieve amendments during the passage of the bill through Parliament to. ensure that the BNA 1981 would not result in practical erosions of the rights enjoyed by Hong Kong CUKCS; and

repeated ministerial statements on HMG's commitment to Hong Kong are on record, as are assurances that HMG would strive to avoid any further restrictions being put on holders of Hong Kong passports by other Governments..

Advice sought

17

Members will be asked to advise whether

(a)

the Immigration (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 1982, at Annex A, should be introduced into the Legislative

Council; and

(b.)

under section 59 of the Immigration Ordinance, whether the Immigration (Amendment) Regulations 1982, at Annex B, should be made upon the enactment of the Bill..

.

G.S. 166

(The Secretary for Security, Mr D.G. JEAFFRESON, the Acting Crown Solicitor, Mr H.J. SOMERVILLE, the Director of Immigration, Mr R.G.B. BRIDGE, the Assistant Director of Immigration, Mr K.C. KOU and Senior Crown Counsel, Mr R.A. GRIFFEY, will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).

26 November 1982

(SEC 11/4/10 (TC 11A/81))

COUNCIL CHAMBER

CONFIDENTIAL COUNG

機密

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