TNAG-1618-FCO40-2226-Executive-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-meet-1987 — Page 188

A.

Who will have the right of abode in Hong Kong?

All Hong Kong permanent residents will have the right of abode in Hong Kong. Broadly speaking, these include:

(a) persons of Chinese race who have at any time been ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years (about 1.74 million); and

(b) persons who are British Dependent Territories citizens by virtue of a connection with Hong Kong e.g. by birth, naturalisation or registration under the British Nationality Act in Hong Kong (about 3.25 million). There will be no distinction on ethnic grounds.

5.

What rights will be enjoyed by a person who has the right of abode in Hong Kong?

A person who has the right of abode in Hong Kong will'enjoy the following rights:

(a) the right to enter Hong Kong;

(b) the right to remain in Hong Kong without any immigration restrictions;

and

(c) the right not to be deported or removed from Hong Kong.

6.

What about persons who will not have the right of abode in Hong Kong? Will they get an identity card?

Yes. Persons who will not have the right of abode in Hong Kong will be issued 'with a different form of identity card. It will not include a statement that the holder has the right of abode in Hong Kong.

7. Will persons other than Hong Kong permanent residents get the right of

abode in Hong Kong?

No, unless they subsequently become Hong Kong permanent residents as described in answer 4. But their present residential status will remain unchanged. Resident British citizens will continue to enjoy the right to land in Hong Kong.

8.

How can one apply for a permanent identity card?

A new identity card re-issue exercise will begin on 1 July 1987. As in the previous exercise, identity card holders will be asked to come forward in specified groups by age and sex to have their existing cards replaced. Those who have the right of abode in Hong Kong will be issued with a permanent identity card. In the case of persons applying for a British National (Overseas) passport or a Certificate of Identity who are not yet in possession of a permanent identity card, special arrangements will be made for the simultaneous issue of the permanent identity card and the travel document. This is to enable a right of abode endorsement to be included in their travel document.

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