TNAG-2181-FCO40-3118-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 79

The British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill 1990

1. In the last few years the number of people emigrating

from Hong Kong has increased from an average of some 20,000 per year during the period 1980-86 to 30,000 in 1987, 45,800 in 1988 and 42,000 1989. It is estimated that the figure will reach 55,000 this year, and will remain that high or higher for the foreseeable future.

2. In light of this HMG concluded that decisive action was

necessary to stem the haemorrhage of emigration by providing those individuals in key sectors of the economy and civil

service with the confidence to stay in Hong Kong and

contribute to its economic development, prosperity and

stability. After careful consideration, the Government concluded that the only way of achieving this objective was

to offer full British citizenship to such people.

3. The Bill, which will become the British Nationality

(Hong Kong) Act 1990, was presented to the House of Commons on 4 April, had its second reading on 19 April and completed

its committee stage on 22 May. The Act will give the Home Secretary powers to grant British citizenship to up to 50,000 key personnel plus close family, on the basis of recommendations made by the Governor of Hong Kong, in

accordance with the scheme.

4. The Chinese Government in various statements since the

package was announced have denounced the scheme and the legislation. Their main objections seem to be:

(a) that in their view it violates British commitments

under the Joint Declaration, especially the Hong Kong

memorandum associated with that Declaration

(b) that it would give British citizenship to a large number of civil servants whose allegiance to China would

then be in doubt.

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