TNAG-2398-FCO40-3485-Hong-Kong-Civil-Service-policy-1992 — Page 4

23 December 1992

(By Fax)

Mrs Astra Wong

HKA 016/1

Civil Service Branch

Government Secretariat Lower Albert Road Hong Kong

вр Pit BP 411

BIEU £

Foreign & Commonwealth

Office

London SWIA 2AH

109

Telephone: 071-270 2652

Dear Mrs wong,

CHANGE OF COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

MR M J T ROWSE

Thank you for your letter of 11 December concerning Mr Rowse's application for change of country of origin from the UK to Spain.

Our European Community Department has advised that EC nationals have a right under the Treaty of Rome to move to another EC member state to work, or to seek work, or for the provision or receipt of services for remuneration. Under directives that entered into force this summer, the right of residence is also extended to students, retired persons, and others who are not economically active, providing they can satisfy the host state that they will not become a burden on its resources.

It follows that an individual does not have an absolute right of residence in another EC member state. However we note that Mr Rowse is not suggesting that this is the case and the statement in his memorandum is factually correct.

Yours sincerely

Bridget Paris

Bridget Paris

Hong Kong Department

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