TNAG-1377-FCO40-1825-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 136

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be

or

(ii) for the purposes of paragraph 2(3) such a provision would not "supplementary, transitional or consequential" in relation to the nationality provisions of

2 (1) paragraph

founded objections to

there

well are

provisions into nationality legislation.

HMG is doing too

little

and (2).

introducing

In addition

immigration

I t is considered unlikely that the will be

any significant body of opinion in favour of giving all who hold the new status the right of abode in the UK. There may be some members, however, who will press

for this right to be accorded to those BDTCs who are not Chinese nationals. Ministers may wish to point out in reply that BDTCs who are not Chinese nationals but who have made their home in Hong Kong

to retain their

of their right of abode there (Joint Declaration, Annex I, Section XIV). Ministers might also wish to emphasise that all Hong Kong BDTCs, whatever their ethnic origin, will be able to acquire the new nationality status and use it for travel purposes.

are

able

Some members, while agreeing that it would be wrong to give Hong Kong BDTCs the right of abode in the UK, may argue that those who want to leave Hong Kong should be able to come here for settlement if they wish. Ministers will wish to take the line that it would be

as to single out Hong Kong BDTCs wrong to single

a group

for such favourable

treatment. The whole emphasis of

of the agreement has been towards

creating a

future for Hong Kong and secure

an environment in which

its people can continue to live with confidence. Those former BDTCs who wish to come here will therefore generally have to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Rules.

[If pressed, reference to those to whom undertakings have or will be given that they may come here for settlement].

ACQUISITION OF NEW STATUS AND BENEFITS TO BE ENJOYED

There are also likely to be some members who will press for specific

statements to be made in the Bill about the procedures for the acquisition of the new status and of the passports pertaining to it. Ministers may wish to take the line that it would not be appropriate to include such details in the Bill. Its function is to provide an

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