TNAG-1888-FCO40-2681-Visits-from-Hong-Kong-and-China-to-the-UK-1989 — Page 92

FAYAIM(4)

three main categories of citizenship - British Citizenship, British

Dependent Territories Citizenship (BDTC) and British Overseas

Citizenship (BOC). Of these, only British citizenship automatically

carried the right of abode in the UK. The BNA 1981 did not change the rights of Hong Kong British nationals.

Present position

4. Since the recent tragic events in mainland China the lobby in Hong Kong campaigning for right of abode in the UK has become more

vociferous. But the Prime Minister has already made clear that it

would be impossible for the Government to give right of abode to all Hong Kong British Dependent Territories Citizens. We are however

well aware of the problems caused by the loss through emigration of

skilled people from Hong Kong. This has been brought to our attention by a number of British firms based in Hong Kong (eg Cable

and Wireless, BP, Barclays, etc) who see the offer of the right of

abode to British nationals in Hong Kong as a way of renewing

confidence to enable these skilled personnel to remain in the

Territory.

Assurances Scheme

5. FCO and Home Office officials are currently working on a new

scheme which would give the assurance of right of abode in the UK to encourage key personnel, both in the public and private sector so

that they have sufficient confidence to remain in Hong Kong. No

final decision has yet been taken on the numbers involved, the

nature of the assurances or the timing of an announcement.