TNAG-2199-FCO40-3154-Portuguese-citizenship-as-applied-to-residents-of-Macau-comp-1990 — Page 6

MACAU

Points to make:

CONFIDENTIAL

Under Portuguese nationality law, only those born in Macau of

Portuguese parents automatically have the right of Portuguese

citizenship.

Others can acquire it by completing 6 years residence in Macau,

and also producing proof of written and spoken Portuguese, have

no criminal record, ability to earn a living and proof of a

cultural connection with Portugal.

Approximately 100,000 people in Macau hold Portuguese

nationality. Because of the conditions stipulated to obtain

Portugese citizenship it is unlikely that many more will qualify

up to 1999.

It is not sensible to try and draw comparisons between the two

situations.

The Portuguese are not operating an assurance

scheme' nor have they granted Portuguese nationality to all Macau

residents.

The numbers involved are quite different. There are half a million people in Macau - five million in Hong Kong.

Portugese citizens of Macau have the same freedom of movement in

the EC as other Portuguese nationals.

TOYAEW

CONFIDENTIAL