TNAG-2190-FCO40-3127-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 180

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status, but not yet had them processed. We suggested that a

suitable cut off date would be the date of publication of the

Bill. HKG have urged strongly that the date should be the same

as that for the first tranche of applications which would mean,

in effect, that any COI holder who met the necessary residence

requirements for BTDC could apply for British citizenship, even

though he or she had taken no steps to become a

to become a BDTC before.

Although we doubt whether it would be justifiable to open the

scheme to that extent, we can see HKG's concern about the

antagonism which would be caused by announcing a cut off date

which had already passed, and which would make it more difficult

to secure a reasonable reception in Hong Kong for the Bill. We

therefore suggest a cut off date of [30 August]. This may cause

a rush in applications for BDTC status in Hong Kong, but if so,

it will help HKG assess the likely level applications for

citizenship and to plan accordingly.

Further action

17.

The next step is a paper for OD(K), and an initial draft is

attached at E. However, its content is dependent on the outcome

of the discussion on Monday. At that meeting, Ministers may want

to consider

the general shape of the citizenship package (paragraphs

and Annexes A and B)

the various issues outlined in paragraphs

and

+

the key points to be discussed by OD (K).

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