TNAG-2201-FCO40-3156-Hong-Kong-nationality-1990 — Page 43

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an endorsement as to the holder's

-teht of abode in HK. I know that this have been marter of particular concern. As the House already knows, the Chinese have agreed in principle that the wording of the endorsement should be as follows:

"The holder of this passport has HK permanent identity card number which states that the holder has the right of abode in

We expect to reach final agreement on this at the next meeting Sino-British Jajat Liaison group in March.

of the

KEY

·

The Government is confident that BN(0)s will not need their identity cards when they travel, since the agreed wording is clear and ...unambiguous, and third countries should be satisfied by the clear

endorsement that BN(0)s may return to HK . Once the urger is au place we incend to explain the significance of the passport around the world. You may know that we have already had encouraging responses to informal approaches from the United States, Australia and the European

farliament.

We believe that this is likely to be the best way of ensuring the

We are acceptability of the BN(0) passport in third countries. studying the proposal by the Legislative Council that BN(0) passports should be endorsed to the effect that the holder did not need entry clearance to visit the 'K. It is a fact that entry clearance for temporary visitors is not a requirement, it is available to those who want to be assured of their entry into this country. We must ensure that any proposed endorsement does not lead people wrongly to believe

Visitors coming that they are not subject to the Immigration Rules.

here must satisfy the immigration officer that they qualify for admission under the Rules. We are, however, considering how best to

I meet the concerns of the Legislative Council in this matter.

Conclusion

The

We welcome the incerest che White Paper has generated. matters that we are debating today will have a far reaching affect on the lives of the 3 1/4 million BDTCs in HK and we fully realise its importance to them. The Draft Order presents a major step along the road we are raking between now and 1997 to implement the Sino-British agreement SD AR to secure a prosperous and stable future of HK.

The Government believe that the nationality provisions proposed in

We believe too that the Draft Order are generally on the right lines. they are fair and consistent as between all 3DTCs in HK. But we shall take careful note of the views expressed by you before finally inviting this House to Approve the Order. In that spirit I commend the

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