TNAG-1459-FCO40-1983-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1986 — Page 109

ESSENTIAL FACTS

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Although not a part of Portuguese territory, Macau is administered

by Portugal. Shortly before Portugal's Accession Treaty was due to be signed, it emerged that a significant number (best estimate:

85,000) of Macanese citizens might be entitled to Portuguese

nationality, unlike British Dependent Territory Citizens (BDTCs)

in Hong Kong. Now that Portugal has acceded to the Community, Portuguese passport holders from Macau have the same rights of access to the UK as nationals of other Member States, subject only

to the transitional arrangements included in the Accession Treaty

(a 7 year transitional period during which Portuguese nationals are subject to work permit controls for salaried employment).

This has placed Portuguese passport holders in Macau in a more favourable position than Hong Kong BDTCS. Since many of those entitled to Portuguese passports are reported to speak English

there is a risk that a substantial number might seek entry to the UK. The problem is exacerbated by evidence of corruption in the

issue of Portuguese passports.

We therefore approached the Portuguese both bilaterally and through the EC in an attempt to persuade them to make a declaration limiting the definition of Portuguese nationals for EC purposes to citizens of the European territory of Portugal. The Portuguese replied that their Constitution did not permit a distinction between different classes of Portuguese nationals. This was repeated by the Portuguese Foreign Minister on the two occasions when the Foreign Secretary raised the issue with him on 5 June and 31 July. We were, however, able to secure the agreement of our EC partners and Portugal to a statement in the conclusions of the negotiating conference to the effect that further contacts with the Portuguese on the matter would probably be necessary. This allows us to raise the matter again through

the EC should we wish to do so.

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