TNAG-1744-FCO40-2463-Visits-by-FCO-officials-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-by-Lor-1988 — Page 151

MTZACJ (2)

CONFIDENTIAL

VISIT OF LORD GLENARTHUR TO HONG KONG: 29 JUNE-1 JULY 1988

BRIEF NO 12: NATIONALITY AND IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS

12

Objectives

1.

To listen sympathetically to any further complaints about recent cases of Hong Kong holders of British passports being refused entry to the UK; and to confirm that these incidents are being

investigated.

2.

To reassure Hong Kong opinion that the BN (0) passport is of equal status to the BDTC passport, and that there is no

discrimination between them.

3. To reaffirm that, if any problems arise with the acceptability of the BN (0) passport, HMG will take them up with governments

concerned.

Points to make (Defensive purposes only)

[With Governor and OMELCOl

HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS: ENTRY REFUSALS

He

Know you raised these points with Foreign Secretary. undertook to convey your concern to Home Secretary: and he has done Home Office are considering in the light of your comments whether immigration officers should be given revised instructions on handling of Hong Kong travellers.

so.

[With OMELCO and others]

see over

No question of validity of BN (0)/or BDTC passports being in doubt, nor of discrimination against holders at UK ports of entry.

Holders Both types of passport are valid British passports. do not require visas or entry certificates to enter UK as visitors. But they are of course subject to British immigration rules.

[If

CONFIDENTIAL

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