TNAG-2197-FCO40-3147-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 18

6

RESTRICTED

Ref:

•HKD 340/4

340/4

RECEIVED IN REGISTE

12 DEC 1990

DESK OFFICEF

AP 298/38) II PA

Mr Manis

Не

982

Government Secretariat

Hong Kong

1 December 1990

e pa

10/12

Civil Service Branch Circular No. 29/90

(Note:

Premature Retirement

and the British Nationality Scheme

Distribution of

of this circular is Scale A, i.e. it should be read by Heads of Departments, Departmental Secretaries, officers dealing with personnel matters, and brought to the attention of all serving officers including those who are on leave. A Chinese version is attached.)

In response to staff enquiries concerning premature retirement and the British Nationality Scheme,

this circular clarifies that for officers who are beneficiaries under the British Nationality Scheme, factors connected with emigration will not be accepted as compassionate grounds for premature retirement between the ages of 45 and 50 under the Old Pension Scheme. British Nationality Scheme is designed to anchor key people in Hong Kong and its purpose will be defeated if officers are allowed to retire early and leave Hong Kong for the UK.

2.

For

same

reason, officers

The

the

who are beneficiaries under the British Nationality Scheme will not be allowed to retire prematurely between the ages of 45 and 50 if they and their families are subsequently granted visas to emigrate to countries other than the UK. Having benefitted from the British Nationality Scheme there are no compelling reasons for such officers to leave the service and Hong Kong early in order to gain rights of abode

of elsewhere.

3.

These restrictions do not apply

not apply to officers who wish to retire at the age of 50 or above under the Old Pension Scheme. Such retirements will continue to be considered under CSR 332(5) which provides that they will normally be allowed unless the Governor considers that to allow the officer to retire would not be in the public

interest.

/....