TNAG-1392-FCO40-1864-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-for-meetings-and-visits-1985 — Page 183

CONFIDENTIAL

NATIONAL I TY

3. I attach a short note on the question of nationality

in relation to Hong Kong. It is, as the Minister

observes,

a hideously complicated subject. In answer to

the Minister's specific questions BN (O) status has no

implications in terms of immigration to the United

Kingdom. Hong Kong BDTCs at the moment do not have

have the

right to settle in the United Kingdom and are subject to

immigration control. BN (O)s will enjoy the same status.

We have faced considerable criticism in Hong Kong on

nationality.

It was felt that the 1981 BNA was

deliberately designed to create a second-class status of

British nationality for Hong Kong residents. We were

critised in the debate on the Hong Kong agreement for not

providing for those who wish to

settle in Britain to be

able to do So.

Although it is in fact generally

recognised in Hong Kong that HMG cannot give open house

to 31/4 million people, this is a highly emotional

subject and there is still criticism.

We were also

criticised by others for not making it clear enough that

there was no possibility of former BDTCs from Hong Kong

being able to settle in Britain.

PASSPORTS

4.

I will be submitting separately on the question of

passports.

In answer

to the Minister's specific

questions, we estimate that there are

over 31/4 million

Hong Kong BDTCs. We assume that most of these will apply

for BN(O) passports before 1 July 1997. BN (O) passports

will state that the holder has the right of abode in Hong

Kong. We are negotiating the text of this endorsement

with the Chinese SO that it can continue after 1 July

these people will have the right of

There are about 20,000 British citizens

1997.

Non e of

abode in the UK.

with the right of abode in the United Kingdom in Hong

Kong. A high proportion of these are expatriates.

CONFIDENTIAL