TNAG-1327-FCO40-1740-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Ministerial-statements-1984 — Page 106

the Hong Kong people could be protected by filing complaints, if necessary, to the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations; and that a human rights committee or an ombudsman's office should be established in the Hong Kong SAR.

4.51 The following important issues were said to have been omitted:-- The specific provisions of a right of political belief coupled with freedom of affiliation to political parties; and

The further development of the social welfare system and the rôle to be played by the voluntary organizations.

Section XIV Right of Abode, Travel Documents and Immigration

on:

4.52 This Section attracted considerable comment which concentrated

-the definition of Chinese Nationals,

-the recognition of the Hong Kong SAR and new British Passports by

other countries,

-right and freedom of emigration.

4.53. Important points made were:-

The term "Chinese Nationals" was too nebulous and needed clari- fication. Questions about how ethnic Chinese holding foreign passports, and those of mixed parentage would be treated in respect of national status and consular protection needed to be answered;

Worldwide recognition must be given to the new British Passport and the Hong Kong SAR Passports if freedom of travel was to be guaranteed. The new passports should be issued and in circulation well before 1997, and the United Kingdom Government and the Joint Liaison Group should take active steps to ensure they became acceptable inter- national travel documents;

The United Kingdom should take the lead in recognising the status of the new passports by waiving visa requirements for those holders wishing to visit the United Kingdom; and

4.54

The right and freedom to emigration after 1997 should be clearly stated.

Other points made concern:

The question of whether the immigration quota standing in Hong Kong's name as approved by foreign countries would continue to be reserved exclusively for Hong Kong should be clarified;

The criteria for naturalisation should be relaxed so that more holders of Certificates of Identity could become BDTCs before 1997 in view of the fact that BDTCs would be eligible for both the new British Passport and the Hong Kong SAR Passport; and

Travel arrangements between the Hong Kong SAR and countries with no diplomatic relations with the PRC should be maintained.

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