TNAG-2179-FCO40-3116-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 54

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CONFIDENTIAL

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Intent of 21/3

support fil

Brief P

LORD BRABAZON'S VISIT TO PAPAU NEW GUINEA, AUSTRALIA AND FIJI:

HONG KONG: INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Points to Make

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HICD 340/L

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RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

27 MAR 1990

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

RELUSTRY

Action Taken

Hope Australian Government will respond favourably to our request to take measures similar to our own nationality package which will give key people in Hong Kong confidence to remain in territory.

- Australia is particularly important in this international

exercise.

Australia has always been one of Hong Kong people's

favourite destinations for emigration.

Special measures for Hong Kong need not necessarily create pressure to extend arrangements elsewhere. Hong Kong's circumstances are unique and require a unique solution.

Any scope for making greater use of existing arrangements would allow employees of Australian companies to reduce period of time spent in Australia during initial 3 year visa period to qualify for further 5 year rest and return facility eg by being posted by their companies back to Hong Kong early in their initial 3 year period?

Alternatively would Australians be willing to consider a secondment scheme, permitting Australian companies in Hong Kong to send local employees from territory for limited period of work/training in head offices in Australia with time spent on this secondment counting towards qualification for settlement status or citizenship?

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TOYACD

CONFIDENTIAL