TNAG-1559-FCO40-2123-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 173

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entry clearance in the United Kingdom. It is of course a

fact that no visas are required for holders of BDTC

passports to visit the United Kingdom. But entry clearance

is a facility available to those coming to this country

who wish to assure their entry before they set off and it would

be wrong to discourage the use of this facility. There is

another important point to be made. It is a fundamental part of our system of "on entry" control that people arriving

here have to satisfy the Immigration Officer that they qualify

for admission under the Immigration Rules: and obviously

we must beware against putting any endorsement in

the passport which might mislead and give the impression

that in some way examination by an Immigration Officer

and compliance with the ordinary Immigration Rules is not

required. Bona fide visitors from Hong Kong are

always welcome here and always will be: but there are

difficulties about an endorsement in the passport and we

would have to ensure that people were not misled by it.

I am however considering with sympathy how to meet the

concern which Members of the Legislative Council have.

reflected.

CONCLUSION

We believe that the draft Order provides for nationality arrangement which are fair and consistent as between all BDTCs in Hong Kong and are on the right lines. But we shall listen with interest

to what the House says and consider whether any amendments

/are