Portuguese nationality, out of a total population of half of a million.
8.
In early 1989, news that Portugal had begun to issue EC common format passports to Portuguese nationals in Macao rekindled public controversy in Hong Kong, even though this did not reflect any change in the status of those Portuguese nationals. It was suggested, wrongly, that Portugual was granting citizenship to all residents of Macao. This is not
Nor is Portugal operating any kind of assurance
the case.
package (see below) for Macao.
British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act, 1990
9. The increasing emigration rate among key personnel is a trend which the Government takes very seriously. In the years 1980-86, the yearly average outflow was about 20,000. In 1989 it was 42,000. This year it is expected to be 62,000. This growing exodus of talented people poses a real threat to Hong Kong's stability and prosperity in the period before 1997. Many of those who are emigrating do so reluctantly, because it is the only means of acquiring the assurance of a foreign passport. Most of them would remain
if such an assurance were available without the need to
leave Hong Kong.
10. That is why the Foreign Secretary announced on
20 December 1989 that the Government proposed to introduce legislation to give British citizenship to 50,000 key people and their dependants, without their having to leave the territory in order to qualify. The British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act which received Royal Assent in July 1990 is designed to anchor people in Hong Kong so that they can continue to make their contribution to the territory's success and prosperity.
BAYAAQ/4
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.