TNAG-1406-FCO40-1881-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 237

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference

Powel (Hong Kong Department, K 221)

Mr Pow

HONG KONG: ENTRY CERTIFICATES

Spahre to Mr low who was not prepud

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Tut the~D concurs.

Thank you for sending us (Mr Amy) a copy of Mr Galsworthy's draft submission on the above subject.

1.

2.

718

We agree with the first recommendation ie. not to drop the entry clearance option for BN (0) passport holders. Subject as they will be to immigration control, there is no question of their being given 'free and unrestricted entry to the UK'.

3. We are, I fear, less than enthusiastic about the second recommendation, to provide both categories with multiple visit entry certificates on request. The present arrangements for BDTCS are already exceptional compared to our normal practice; to extend this to an indefinite period or the life of the passport strikes us as an unnecessary hostage to fortune. It might, in some cases, prove to be a mixed blessing to the holders. Over a period, Immigration Officers will detect what they take to be a settlement pattern and may be restrictive in only allowing leave to enter for inconveniently short periods. I am sure the Home Office will be equally unenthusiastic.

BRA

1 August 1985

B B Low

Migration and Visa Department

CONFIDENTIAL