CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG: INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT: SUMMARY OF RESPONSES
Country
Australia
Belgium
Canada
Brief Summary of Responses
There is scope for deferred residence under Australia's existing immigration regulations but we have heard they may tighten these up. The Australians are also looking at our proposed secondment scheme. We still await news of Australian Cabinet's review of policy on Hong Kong including immigration but the Australians will not introduce a scheme
especially for Hong Kong. Despite our representations they will be sticking to their worldwide immigration policy. Australian Minister for Immigration confirmed this during his visit to Hong
Kong on 4 September.
Belgians do not object to us referring publicly to Belgian scheme. Are offering permanent Belgian residence permits to about 50 employees of Belgian companies in Hong Yong without the need for legislation.
Like Australia 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). We are told that
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CONFIDENTIAL
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