TNAG-1571-FCO40-2137-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 89

possible charge that this

would cause

difficulties

for

applicants who have business interests abroad, I should

say that persons of independent means are not allowed to

work and

the Immigration Appeals Tribunal have held that

this means not working or running

::

a

business

either

in

the UK or abroad.

:

There are separate provisions in the Immigration

Rules for people who wish to set up

in

business here.

The most important requirements are a personal investment

of at least £150,000 and

and the creation of new jobs here.

Prospective businessmen also need to show that there is a

genuine need for their services and investment and that

they wil1 be occupied full time in the running of the

business.

provided the

Initial admittance is for 12 months and

requirements of the Rules continue to be

met, yearly extensions of stay normally lead tô

settlement after four years.

relation to businessmen

The Immigration Rules in

are normally strictly applied but

the Home Office have been prepared to waive some of the

requirements and operate the Rules flexibly where this is

justified by a substantial investment.

considered on its merits.

Each case i s

I believe you mentioned that you had heard

complaints in Hong Kong that countries like Australia and

Canada are more liberal in their immigration requirements

than we are. Naturally each country has its own policies

appropriate

to its

circumstances.

I would not wish to