TNAG-1568-FCO40-2134-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 236

CODE 18-77 AWO Ltd. 7/84

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Mr Hill HKD

Reference....

907

HONG KONG: RIGHT OF ABODE

We spoke about your minute of 1 July concerning Hong Kong telegrams 2055 and 2057.

1.

2. I am afraid we are not able to provide any useful information in response to the final sentence of para 2 of telno 2055. The term "right of abode" is not one in international usage, indeed it was only introduced here by the Immigration Act 1971.

Nor are we aware of any equivalent terminology used in other countries. In general countries have only one category of citizenship. rights of their citizens to enjoy unrestricted entry and residence and to have freedom of deportation may possibly be written into a country's constitution, but not always.

The

3. Unlike the UK where the position of different categories of British nationals vary, any distinction in other countries would simply be between citizens enjoying full rights and foreign residents whose freedom to remain in the country would be subject to the provisions of immigration laws etc.

4.

I have discussed this matter with Miss Foakes, Legal Advisers, who agrees that there is no standard international definition of "right of abode".

:

Weale

3 July 1986

cc. Miss Foakes, Legal Advisers

Y J Veale (Miss)

Nationality & Treaty Department (CL501 213 5159)

DEP

INDEX

HKK 340/1

EGL

3 1 JUL 1986

ASTRY

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