T
BNA. I believe that the provision I have just described will
constitute an important additional boost to the confidence of the
non-Chinese BDTC community in Hong Kong. It will provide an
avenue for the continuation of a form of British nationality to the
persons concerned until approximately the middle of the next
century.
Looking to the future, the Government remains of the view that the
right course for those who are permanently settled in what will then
be a part of China ultimately is for them
for them to become Chinese
nationals.
affected
I know that some concern has been expressed by those
that they or
their descendants will not be able to become Chinese
nationals. The Chinese Nationality Law however does provide in
Article 7 and I quote that "Aliens or stateless persons who are
willing to abide by China's Constitution and laws may acquire
Chinese nationality on approval of their applications provided
that:
(1) they are close relatives of Chinese nationals;
(2) they have settled in China; or
(3) they have other legitimate reasons.
#1
We
in
are of course speaking of people who are by definition settled
Hong Kong, which by then will be part of China. I accept that it
will be necessary for the Government to undertake further
discussions with the Chinese Government about how such persons might
acquire Chinese nationality. Our aim will be to ensure that it is
possible for the descendants of non-Chinese former BDTCs to obtain
Chinese nationality if they wish to do so.
Before leaving this subject there is one further point I should
make. This is that the Home Secretary does have discretion
under Section 27 (1) of the British Nationality Act 1981 if he thinks
fit to register any minor as a British Overseas citizen. It would
of course be open to any future Home Secretary to make use
of this
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