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As far as current situation in Hong Kong is concerned, the
passage of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act has had a steadying effect on confidence. Emigration from territory
is still a matter of serious concern. But we hope that our
nationality package, coupled with measures being taken by a
number of other countries, will succeed in anchoring key people so that they can continue to make their contribution
to territory's success and prosperity.
- Welcome provisions of new US Immigration Act, passed by Congress on 27 October, which increases number of visas
available to Hong Kong residents, including employees of US
comapnies, and allows beneficiaries to defer settlement in
US until 2001.
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Among our EC partners, France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg are implementing schemes to provide right of
entry to employees of French, German, Belgian and Luxembourg companies in Hong Kong. Hope Norway and other Scandinavian
countries will also do what they can to help.
Order in Council setting out details of our nationality package has now been approved by Parliament and is expected
to come into operation in December if all goes well. First passports will be issued next spring.
- We shall of course continue to discuss this issue with
Chinese Government. As we have made clear many times, there is nothing in Act which contravenes Joint Declaration or
associated memoranda. Our only aim is to provide assurances
to keep people in Hong Kong who are of crucial importance to maintaining its stability and prosperity in long run.
On political front, there is now increasing interest in 1991 Legislative Council elections, which will include 18 directly elected seats. There is a general determination to
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