TNAG-1753-FCO40-2473-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 77

KILALA

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NATIONALITY AND IMMIGRATION

1. Entry to the UK

I am happy to confirm that BDTCs and BN (0)s are exempt from any requirement to hold entry certificate or visa to visit the UK. BN (0) passports are endorsed to this effect.

BN (0) passport holders have the same entitlements to enter and

leave the UK as enjoyed by BDTC passport holders. This means they come to visit or study without any prior formalities. But because they do not have the right of abode in UK, certain categories, primarily those coming with a view to settlement, required to establish their claim beforehand.

2. Implications for immigration to the UK

There are estimated to be about 20,000 British citizens in Hong

Kong. They have the right of abode in the UK. BDTCS and BN (0)s do

not have the right of abode in the UK and will not have it in 1997. Those Hong Kong residents who are subject to UK immigration control will normally qualify to come here only if they satisfy requirements of the immigration rules.

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3. Accept Hong Kong BDTCs/BN (0)s for resettlement in the U.K.

I believe it would be wrong to single out Hong Kong BDTCs for special treatment. Our aim in negotiating the Joint Declaration was

to create a secure future for Hong Kong and an environment in which

Hong Kong people can continue to live and work with confidence. I

believe that we have achieved this.

British citizenship for ethnic minorities

There are about 11,500 ethnic minority BDTCS in Hong Kong, who have no other nationality, and about 60,000 who could apply for BDTC status. The Government do not think it would be right to

create such a large and uncertain immigration commitment after 1997.

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