TNAG-2205-FCO40-3162-Immigration-policy-changes-to-rules-1990 — Page 52

12.

13.

and the places available for each group will depend on the rate at which members of that group

that group are emigrating. The individual applications will be assessed on a points system

for age, experience, qualifications, special circumstances,

proficiency in the English language, British links and community service. In this way the general allocation scheme

will target assurances at those key workers who are most

likely to leave but are most needed in Hong Kong.

In addition, some of the 50,000 places will be set aside for

the disciplined services police and prison officers etc. These will also be allocated on a points system but adjusted

to meet the needs of each service. There will, additionally, be a sensitive services section for people who might be particularly vulnerable after 1997. There will also be

small provision for key entrepreneurs accounting for less than 1% of the total places available.

Once Parliament has approved the selection scheme, it is intended that the application process in Hong Kong will be launched as quickly as possible. Applications will be processed by the Hong Kong Government and a small team of officials from the UK will be posted to Hong Kong in order to consider recommendations from the Governor for the grant of citizenship, to issue certificates of registration, and to supervise the issue of passports. It is hoped that the first grants of citizenship will be made in the Spring or early

Summer of 1991.

Arrangements made by other Governments

14. Some countries have already found ways to give Hong Kong people the assurance of right of abode without their having

to leave the territory and the British Government has

encouraged others to do so. Such assurances help to promote confidence in Hong Kong by encouraging people to remain in the

territory and to continue to contribute to its success. Singapore has already introduced a scheme to give permanent residence status to up to 25,000 "blue collar" workers and their families without requiring them to leave Hong Kong for