TNAG-1744-FCO40-2463-Visits-by-FCO-officials-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-by-Lor-1988 — Page 157

MTZACJ (2)

Background

CONFIDENTIAL

HONG KONG BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS: ENTRY REFUSALS

1.

Much publicity has recently been given in Hong Kong to cases

in which Hong Kong passport holders have been refused entry to the

UK.

It has been suggested that these events cast doubt on the validity of the BN (O) passports. A series of complaints were made to the Secretary of State in his meeting with ExCo and OMELCO on 31

May. Members urged the Foreign Secretary to take up the following

points with the Home Secretary, all of which is now in hand:

(a) whether an endorsement similar to that included in the

BN (0) passport should be included in BDTC passports. (See separate note at para 10 below);

(b) the requirement for obtaining entry certificates to the

UK. (Members complained that the requirements were more stringent than for those for obtaining visas to enter other countries).

(c) the problem of Hong Kong residents who had been refused

entry to the UK and had their passports stamped, but that the stamp was subsequently crossed out by UK Immigration Officials. (Members said, bearing in mind that those concerned were entitled to appeal against the refusal of entry, that it was unfair to continue such a practice as such a stamp could become a black mark against those concerned. This would be likely to create difficulties

for them when travelling to other countries.

(d) Whether the practice of returning those who were refused

entry to other ports of embarcation could be discontinued. Members

suggested it would be preferable to allow them to return to Hong Kong direct (i.e. froom a British airport). Members also suggested

that such travellers should be allowed to contact their friends or

relations in the UK for assistance.

(e) The provision of information regarding the number of cases

in which Hong Kong travellers had been found overstaying in the UK.

CONFIDENTIAL