TNAG-2195-FCO40-3132-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 31

What if they all come here?

All the evidence suggests that Hong Kong people would prefer to

remain with their relatives and friends, their jobs and their own

surroundings, where they can continue to enjoy the fruits of Hong

Kong's thriving enterprise culture. But even if the worst came to the worst and they were all to come here, what would this mean for the United Kingdom?

First, the economy would receive a shot in the arm from the

transfusion of talent that these people represent; after all by

definition they will be some of the most capable and well qualified people from one of the most dynamic territories on earth.

Many of

then have studied at British universities or have got British

professional qualifications. The people who will be eligible for

British passports under our scheme are from precisely chose groups

that Australia, Canada and the United States are so keen to attract

for the benefit of their own economies.

Second, we calculate if all 50,000 did come to the UK, many

of them bringing working spouses, the net benefit to the Exchequer

would be of the order of £..... to £

billion per year.

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