TNAG-1428-FCO40-1911-Future-of-the-Hong-Kong-public-service-1985 — Page 63

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6

Assessment and Implications.

4.

These assessments would tend to suggest that there is no

good reason for delaying action directed towards removal of the

British nationality requirement. Indeed it is important that

recruitment policy for the Administrative Service adapts as soon as

possible to the demands of the future. There could, for example, be

criticism if existing nationality requirements were still in force.

at the onset of the next recruitment exercise in August 1985.

As long

are

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they residents that

parmanent

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5.

If however we are to decide merely that British nationality

is no longer required, the question arises as to what requirement to

put in its place. This is because the civil service at present has

If we no publicly stated nationality criteria for appointments.

simply withdraw the existing requirement we face the prospect of

recruiting, for example, citizens of the United States or Canada

with local connections, who may or may not be of Chinese descent,

but who under Chinese nationality law may be regarded as foreign

nationals.

G.F. 326

6.

It is therefore necessary to consider new rules governing

the eligibility of candidates to apply for posts within the civil

service, including the Administrative Service. The following

criteria are proposed for appointment to the Administrative Service

on permanent and pensionable terms (in addition to the existing

requirements as regards age and educational qualifications) :

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