TNAG-2198-FCO40-3152-Hong-Kong-nationality-spouses-and-widows-of-British-expatria-1990 — Page 111

May 2, 1990

From: Michael Morris, M.P., Northampton South

HOUSE OF COMMONS

LONDON SWIA OAA

Myg Casinom

Rt. Hon. David Waddington, QC, MP,

Secretary of State,

Home Office,

Queen Anne's Gate,

London, SW1H 9AT.

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یاتو

ہے۔ متاہم ڈر

Mr R. Mon

M-ZIR

Peping Cisor Melland).

2

4.5-40.

Dear David,

I was as pleased as you were over the result of the Hong Kong Second Reading vote. I had hoped to speak but was not called. If I had been called I would have concentrated on the problem of

problem of the small group of British citizens settled in Hong Kong whose spouses do not hold full British passports.

As the law currently stands it is necessary for them to leave Hong Kong and resettle in the UK for a period of three years for their spouses to obtain any citizenship rights. While they remain in Hong Kong their spouses obtain neither the right of abode or even of entry to the UK. Understandably they are most concerned about the future of their families, given the particular

given circumstances of Hong Kong. In the event that the British partner should die whilst still in Hong Kong the surviving spouse is left high and dry. Any children of the marriage would have full British citizenship but unless they are of independent age they too would effectively be denied their right to enter the UK.

You may not know but most of these people have senior managerial or professional positions and wish to stay in Hong Kong which, of course, meets our policy.

If we do not make special provision for these families then you will find that they will come to the UK if for no other reason than concern about what happens if the man dies.

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