TNAG-2082-FCO40-2963-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 33

CONFIDENTIAL

e) What percentage of gratis visas are in respect of "public affairs" passport holders?

The service

f) My understanding is that there is very little delay in issuing a gratis visa (unless the application is referred). offered to such travellers is therefore a good one.

g) What is the position of other major countries, ie the US, France, the FRG and Japan? Do they charge for holders of Chinese official (in particular "public affairs") passports and, if so, how much? My understanding is that most of our "smaller" EC partners now charge for visas issued to "public affairs" passport holders but, as yet, the FRG and France do not.

4.

I have noted from our papers that the Chinese did not react particularly strongly when countries such as Belgium introduced a visa fee for "public affairs" passport holders. Our relationship, mainly because of the Hong Kong dimension, is, of course, more sensitive and I would be grateful for any thoughts you may have on how the Chinese could make life difficult for you should we introduce charging for "public affairs" passport holders. As you know, British businessmen (who, I understand, broadly fall into the same category as Chinese "public affairs" passport holders) are paying the equivalent of £20 for a Chinese visa. It is difficult to defend a system which permits about 90% of all Chinese applicants to be issued with gratis visas when the percentage of UK visitors granted such visas is very low indeed.

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L STEPHENSON

MIGRATION

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VISA

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CONFIDENTIAL