TNAG-1325-FCO40-1737-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 230

NATIONALITY AND IMMIGRATION

R. H.M, Down S. HM. Voeni

Some Hon members have raised the question of the status of those who

now hold British Dependent Territories citizenship by virtue of a connection with Hong Kong. The issue of nationality is one which I

can assure Honorable Members we have been considering carefully.

All I can say now is that HMG are fully aware of the importance that

many British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong attach to

the retention of British nationality after 1997. At present, these British Dependent Territories citizens have the right of abode in

Hong Kong but they do not of course have the right of abode in the

UK.

I do not believe that either this Parliament or a successor

would favour changes which stimulated emigration from Hong Kong

to the UK or elsewhere. Our aim overall is to reach an agreement

with China which will make Hong Kong a place with a secure and

genuine future for all its inhabitants.

[ MORAL OBLIGATION

DEFENSIVE]

While we have no intention of shirking our obligations, we must show

realism in the way in which we define them. Put simply, our obligation is to seek arrangements for the territory's future

appropriate to its circumstances and acceptable to its people.

Present Nationality Position of British Dependent Territories

Citizens

Home

(Section 4(5).

Under the British Nationality Act 1981 BDTCs who have been resident

in the UK for 5 years have an entitlement to registration as British

citizens. Someone who has been in Crown service under the

Government of a dependent territory (eg Hong Kong) may be registered

at the Secretary of State's discretion without residence in the UK, paying regard to the special circumstances of the individual case. LIF pressed criteria for exercise of discretion]

Applications will be considered on their merits but it has always been the intention to use this provision very sparingly. I must stress the importance of securing an agreement which will encourage Hong Kong people to continue living and working in Hong Kong.