HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE RIGHT OF ENTRY TO UK?
Although Hong Kong people are subject to immigration control,
they can come to UK without visa for three months as visitors.
WOULD GRANTING OF RIGHT OF ABODE TO HONG KONG BDTC'S ALSO GIVE THEM
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT WITHIN EC?
EC rights do not flow directly from right of abode.
If a Hong Kong BDTC was given right of abode in the UK, he/she would be eligible to apply for settlement after 4 years' residence in the UK and to apply for citizenship after a further year. Once he/she had been granted citizenship would then enjoy freedom of
movement within EC.
WHAT SCOPE FOR FLEXIBILITY ON NATIONALITY?
Many people in Hong Kong and some people in this country have called for automatic right of abode in UK to be given to all those in Hong Kong who hold British nationality. Others believe that a massive new immigration commitment which would double ethnic minority population of UK would not be acceptable.
Government are acutely conscious of wish of people of Hong Kong to secure some form of assurance for themselves and their family.
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On that basis, Government are looking urgently and sympathetically at scope for flexibility under the existing immigration rules and 1981 British Nationality Act. As Prime Minister has made clear, we will come to the House if we need additional powers.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.