TNAG-1564-FCO40-2129-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 136

NRIAKF

Q BY MR JACK ASHLEY MP

BACKGROUND

1.

closely,

Mr Ashley has followed Hong Kong affairs particularly nationality matters. He is a frequent visitor

to Hong Kong.

2.

The draft Hong Kong nationality Order in Council was

published on 17 October 1985. It was debated

on

16 January

and the House of

in the House

Lords on 20

a new form of

of Commons

January 1986. The Order is to establish

British national status to be known as British national

(Overseas) BN (O) which will be available to Hong Kong BDTCs wef 1 July 1987 and which may be retained for life.

of Legislative

3. Lydia Dunn, Senior Unofficial Member

Council in Hong Kong wrote to all MP s on 3 January expressing

support of the Unofficial Members of the

the

Executive and Legislative Councils (UMELCO) for three proposals in connection with the draft Order. These were:

(a) an endorsement for BN (O) passports to the effect

that holders do not require visas or entry

certificates to visit UK;

(b)

ex-World War II servicemen in Hong Kong should be registered as British citizens under the British Nationality Act; and

(c)

ethnic minority BDTCS in Hong Kong should registered as British citizens.

be

4. During Parliamentary debates most speakers generally supported UMELCO's proposals. Home Office Ministers said

they would carefully consider

resubmitting the Order to

all that was said before

Parliament for approval.