the effect that the holder did not require a visa or entry certificate to visit
the United Kingdom. Secondly, that former servicemen in Hong Kong who fought
in its interests during the second World War should be granted British
citizenship. And thirdly that British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong
Kong who were not ethnically Chinese and who had no other form of nationality
should be granted British citizenship in 1997 rather than British Overseas
closely citizenship. The Government listened carefully to those who argued in support
of these requests, and undertook to consider very carefully each of them.
My hon and learned Friend the Minister of State and my hon Friend the Minister
of State at the Foreign Office, who also visited Hong Kong at the beginning
of the year, met representatives of the Council of Hong Kong Indian Associations.
Officials have also had very full meetings with Hong Kong officials on the
details of all the proposals, and we have received full and very clear reports
from the Governor in Hong Kong. Each of the proposals raised practical and
other difficulties and each needed careful, detailed and imaginative examination.
6. The House will know from my announcement on 23 April that, as a result,
we have been able to meet two of the three requests from the Legislative Council.
at mags.
7. For the British National (Overseas) passport we will place in each an
endorsement which will read: "In accordance with the United Kingdom Immigration
Rules the holder of this passport does not require an entry certificate or
visa to visit the United Kingdom." This was a matter of considerable concern
in Hong Kong and I am glad that we have been able to meet their wishes. An explanatory leaflet will be given to each passport holder, [which will make
clear that we welcome visitors from Hong Kong and which will set out the holder's position under the Immigration Rules as they are at present? I cannot guarantee
the future, nor, of course, bind future Governments, but I can assure the House
that this Government has no intention of introducing a visa requirement on such visitors I am glad that our response to this request has been welcomed
cutive and by the Unofficial Members of the Legislative Councils, who have expressed their confidence that it will greatly help to enhance the acceptability of BN(0)
passports to third countries.
8. We have also agreed to meet the concern for ex-servicemen. We understand there are about 270 former servicemen who fought in Hong Kong's defence in
the second World War and who might be affected. Of these, some 60 or So are
eligible for registration under section 4(5) of the British Nationality Act 1981 because they are or could become British Dependent Territories citizens
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