TNAG-1849-FCO40-2624-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 22

TRANSCRIPT I SELECT COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG - 24 MAY 1989

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MR RENTON (COFT):

But my understanding is that the Portuguese have for

many years regarded those resident overseas in Portuguese

colonies or ex-colonies, as fully Portuguese nationals,

and that this is a part of their nationality law which is

quite simply different to ours.

In relation to immigration policies though ours are

broadly comparable, as I said, with those of other Member

States of the European Community, in regard to those

coming in

purposes from third countries.

•

•

For example, as far as primary immigration for the

purpose of taking employment is concerned, all Member

States restrict the entry of workers who are not BC

nationals. Buployment of non-BC nationals is generally in

all BC countries restricted to jobs for which no BC

national resident worker is available.

CHAIRKAF:

You were just saying, Minister, in answer to Mr

Shore's question, that BC countries pursue broadly, or you

my even have said precisely in some areas, the same

immigration policies. I was hoping to come to European

Community questions but they keep intruding into our

current discussion 80 we might as well embrace them.