TNAG-1587-FCO40-2171-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-1986 — Page 2

It will be necessary for FCO to consult the Home Office about the size and staffing of the Consular Section

1

1

50 [150]

[More than one Cantonese speaker would be required]

150 staff in the Immigration Department are at present involved in the issue of passports. It would be reasonable to assume that the CG may require the same number of staff initially if it is to take over this function after 1997. In the long run, the workload should decline as no one born after July 1997 will acquire BN(0) status.

Presumably holders of SAR passports and Certificates of Identity will require entry clearances and so will those settling in UK or going there for employment or resi- dence. At present 35 officers in the Immigration Department are engaged in entry clearance work but the workload is likely to be higher in 1997.

Consul

1

DS5

1

Vice-Consul

1

DS7E/9

1

Vice-Consul

2

DS9

2

A hivist

1

DS10

1

Support

20

LE

20 [45]

COM