TNAG-1566-FCO40-2131-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 102

CONFIDENTIAL

A

"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."

leaflet will be issued with each

explaining passport endorsement and the position under the immigration rules.

1981 Act

of the

on

them

their or

the

all

present

The Council's second request was that former servicemen in Hong Kong who served in the defence of Hong Kong in the Second World War should be granted British citizenship. The number involved is about 270. In view of their particular service, the Government will meet the spirit of this request. It is not possible under the British

Nationality

to confer British citizenship

of nature

their service regardless citizenship. But I will consider sympathetically applications for registration as British citizens under Section 4(5) of the British Nationality Act 1981 from any who are eligible under this provision citizens or other because they are British Dependent Territories

British nationals and

and because they served under the Government of The number who Hong Kong, for example in the Hong Kong Volunteers.

I am also ready from might be eligible is likely to be about 60. I today to accept and grant applications from any of the 270 former servicemen in Hong Kong together with their dependants who wish to come to the United Kingdom for settlement.

or So

should be

There are

The Council's third request was that those British Dependent Territories citizens who were not ethnically Chinese granted British citizenship rather than British Overseas citizenship if after 1 July 1997 they would otherwise be stateless. at present about 11,500 British Dependent Territories citizens who The Government has carefully might be affected by this provsision. considered all the arguments put forward in support of this request, but we have concluded that the granting of British

the granting of British citizenship is We are satisfied that not justified in the present circumstances.

we shall be able properly to meet the need of these citizens, their children and their grandchildren for an accepted citizenship status This will be ensured through and for a place to call their home.

CONFIDENTIAL