TNAG-2180-FCO40-3117-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 152

CONFIDENTIAL

HONG KONG: INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT: SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Country

Australia

Brief Summary of Responses

We have given the Australians a form of words

which we might use about the scope for deferred residence under Australia's existing

immigration regulations. The Australians are

also looking at our proposed secondment scheme.

Belgium

Canada

Denmark

Belgians will not object to us referring

publicly to Belgian scheme once Belgian

companies have been informed. Will offer

permanent Belgian residence permits to about 50

employees of Belgian companies in Hong Kong without the need for legislation.

The Canadians have confirmed that they do not

intend to introduce a scheme similar to our

right of abode legislation but they have agreed

to consider our request that full use be made

of the flexibility in the returning residence

rules and to see if they can be more helpful to company trainees (on the lines of our approved

secondment scheme). The Canadians have no

objection if we draw on their existing DEA

press line on support for Hong Kong.

Danes working on scheme to give some 60-70 key

employees of Danish companies assurance of

residence in Denmark under existing legislation which permits granting of work permits "in the

economic interests of Denmark".

ALAADA

CONFIDENTIAL