TNAG-2629-FCO40-3820-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1992 — Page 87

Mr Lewty MVD

Reference

UNCLASSIFIED

64)

File

WORKING HOLIDAY-MAKERS

1. Thank you for faxing to me your draft submission under cover of your minute of 18 August.

2.

The

I think we should make a strong bid for Hong Kong BDTCs (or all BDTCs) and BN (0)s to be exempt from any tightening up of the rules as they affect the citizens of independent Commonwealth countries. Hong Kong opinion is hyper-sensitive to any further erosion of the benefits of the form of British nationality for which most Hong Kong people are eligible. local media could easily whip up interest in this, and the last thing Mr Patten needs at this delicate stage of his Governorship is a row about new restrictions on Hong Kong BDTCS' position in the UK.

3.

The

I note that the number of Nigerians, Ghanaians and Malaysians who have switched to WHM status in the past year is about 7 times the number of Hong Kong BDTCS: ie the relative effect of exempting Hong Kong would not be great. political disadvantages of including Hong Kong would be disproportionately severe.

If Hong Kong has to be included I agree with your approach, e that the prior entry clearance requirement is more

4.

objectionable than a ban on switching. In practice it is presumably much more difficult to arrange a working holiday from abroad than it is after arrival in the UK.

Before the meeting on 9 September we should in any case invite the Governor of Hong Kong to give his considered views on the proposal.

5.

Box.

N J Cox

Hong Kong Department

WH 302

270-2650

19 August 1992

HRD 340/1

CC WIAD

WAD SEAD

visas.whms./MISC/njc

CODE 18-77

UNCLASSIFIED