TNAG-2560-FCO40-3737-Hong-Kong-visa-abolition-agreements-1992 — Page 25

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MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

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VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS

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THE PROBLEM

We need to consider what arrangements should be made to ensure that British Hong Kong passport holders(1)* continue to enjoy visa-free access to various territories before and after 1997, and that Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders enjoy the same arrangements after 1 July 1997.

RECOMMENDATION AND ADVICE SOUGHT

2

It is recommended that the Chinese side of the JLG be consulted on a proposal that Hong Kong should negotiate with third countries open- dated visa abolition agreements (VAAS) on the basis of the model agreement at the Annex A.

3

Members will be asked to advise whether this recommendation should be approved.

BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT

4

Freedom of movement and ease of travel are important for trade and tourism. These are enhanced when countries accord visa-free entry to each other's nationals. Obtaining visas is time-consuming, restrictive, and often expensive both for the traveller and in resource terms, for immigration

* Note (1)

UKC 345/1

: At present only holders of British Hong Kong passports enjoy this privilege, i.e. British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC) and British (National) Overseas [BN(0)] passport holders. Hong Kong Certificate of Identity (C of I) holders do not.

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Executive Council

10