TNAG-2560-FCO40-3737-Hong-Kong-visa-abolition-agreements-1992 — Page 49

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GOVERNENT HOUSE HONG KONG.

TUE 31 MAR 92 10:21

CONFIDENTIAL ##

- 3

1

passport holders(*)

In most cases, this is

along-standing practice not covered by any formal

agreement. There are, however, 19 territories which

offer such access as a result of concluding VAAS with

the UK which cover Hong Kong either specifically or

because of its status as a dependent territory. There

are also three cases where we have negotiated informal

visa waiver arrangements through exchanges of notes.

We are in the process of negotiating similar

arrangements with two other territories.

6.

The current arrangements are working

satisfactorily. But it is possible that, with the

approach of 1997, some territories may change their

policy on visa-free entry to British Hong Kong passport

holders. This is because, after 1997, Britain will not

be responsible for Hong Kong, and will not be able to

guarantee absolutely the returnability to Hong Kong of

BN (0)9. Some countries are already reviewing their

policy(3). However, at this stage, there is no firm

indication that the reviews will result in changes.

Note (2)

of the 75 territories, two allow

visa-free access for BDTCs but

not for BN (0)s; they are Austria

and Mauritius.

Note (3)

: These include Brunei, Canada,

Indonesia, Malaysia and

singapore.

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