DAWACB
CONFIDENTIAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH MERLYN REES MP AND PETER SHORE MP,
17 JANUARY AT 1600
HONG KONG ASSURANCES
Points to Make
A.
SCHEME ALLOWS "QUEUE JUMPING" (FAVOURS RICH HONG KONGERS OVER
PEOPLE FROM SUB-CONTINENT WAITING FOR ENTRY UNDER IMMIGRATION RULES)
This is a unique measure in unique circumstances, limited in
scope, numbers and time. It is designed not to encourage immigration to the UK but to give key personnel the confidence to
remain in Hong Kong.
Does not impinge upon the BNA or have any bearing on the rights
of admission of people on the sub-continent either under BNA or
immigration rules.
No one from sub-continent will be missing out as a result of our
scheme for Hong Kong.
Scheme does not focus exclusively on the rich and powerful.
Selection will be on basis of value of service to Hong Kong, not of
wealth or influence.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
B.
+
Foreign Affairs Committee recognised the damage that could be
caused by "a continuing high rate of immigration of skilled professionals and managers from the private sector" and the need to
cater for the civil service.
FAC spoke
FAC recommended that assurances should be provided "to a
significant number of Hong Kong BDTCs in key positions".
of scheme applying to "thousands not hundreds or tens".
FAC recognised that section 4(5) of the BNA was intended to be used sparingly and could not cater for private sector.
CONFIDENTIAL
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