TNAG-1570-FCO40-2136-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 144

MON

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1024

British High Commission

Consulate Section

186 Jalan Ampang Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Telephone 487122, 487348, 487430

Postal Code

: 50450

New Tel. Nos. 2487122/2487348

2487430

Nationality & Treaty Department

FCO

Clive House

London SW1H 9HE

GNP 344/6

Dear Department

24 OCT 1936

Your reference

Our reference

Date

CON 340/4

16 October 1986

Mi Kaye orz Каје

2

HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY (C OF I) HOLDERS AND 1997.

1. The Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986 deals with status and passport facilities for Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens (BDTCs) before and after 1997.

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According to correspondence we had with the Hong Kong immigration authorities two years ago about the problem of visas for Malaysia for Hong Kong C of I holders, only about 50% of the Chinese ethnic population of Hong Kong are British nationals. The rest are technically stateless and holders or potential holders of C of Is if they meet the Hong Kong authorities' requirements.

3. There has been no reference so far to the status and travel documentation envisaged for these non-British residents before and after 1997. I realise that this is a much more difficult problem than the status of BDTCs and perhaps this request is much too premature. I would be grateful however for any guidance or advice you can give on this question. The publicity given to the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986 through diplomatic channels in accordance with your Head of Department's circular letter GNP 343/22 of 23 September 1986 could give rise to questions about Hong Kong C of I holders which is of quite some interest to the immigration authorities here.

RESTRICTED

Yours ever

J.

Shanratty

J Hanratty