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· SARBAF (5)
SCOPE FOR FLEXIBILITY : PARTICULAR CATEGORIES
As I have indicated, we are looking urgently and sympathetically at the scope for flexibility within existing rules. It would be wrong to preempt the outcome of that discussion.
(a) Crown Servants
HMG is well aware of the crucial role of Crown servants in
maintaining efficient administration and ensuring a smooth transfer of government. Under Section 4(5) of the British Nationality Act,
Crown servants may apply for British citizenship without residing in
the UK. So far only 9 applicants out of some 500 have been
successful.
the rules.
There is clearly scope for more generous application of
Undertakings
In certain limited cases, certain rights of admission for Crown servants exist at discretion of Home Secretary. I am aware that reservations have been expressed about the nature and scope of the assurances. But as Your Lordships will appreciate, this is a very sensitive issue on which it would not be appropriate for me to make
any further public comments.
(b) Young professionals/entrepreneurs
This clearly a particularly important group, which is vital to Hong Kong's continuing success. At same time these are the people whose talents are most in demand elsewhere and who are emigrating. We obviously need to give careful thought to what might be done for this group.
(c) Students
Around 4,500 Hong Kong students come to UK to study each year. We recognise that this group will become the professionals and managers
of the future. But as
as a general rule, time spent in UK as a student
does not count as qualification towards citizenship. We will be
reflecting further on this.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.