TNAG-2183-FCO40-3120-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 8

CONFIDENTIAL

Denmark

the Canadians are willing to be more flexible but had to do this through practical measures rather than policy

statements. On 5 September during here visit to Hong Kong Canadian Minister for

Employment and Immigration rejected a

request from Canadian Chamber of Commerce to give visas to employees of Canadian companies in the territory.

Danes working on scheme to give some 100-150 key employees of Danish companies and their families assurance of residence in Denmark under existing legislation which permits granting of work permits "in the economic interests

of Denmark". Entry permits would be granted providing the employee worked

for a Danish company, who also undertook to find them a job if they went to Denmark. Details of this scheme emerged in the Hong Kong press during the Danish Foreign Minister's visit to Hong Kong in early No ber. But Copenha have confirmed via the plan has yet to be agreed formally. Precise details, including numbers, have yet to be worked

out.

France

ALAAES/2

The Quai agree that we may say in public that France is one of the countries

taking measures to reassure essential

staff working for international

companies in Hong Kong. Scheme is

expected to cover about 15,000 heads of

households (ie about 15% of

CONFIDENTIAL