TNAG-2632-FCO40-3823-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-Nationality-(Hong-K-1992 — Page 49

CONFIDENTIAL

布政司署

香港下亞畢道

本署檔號 OUR REF:

SCR(SD) 57/2/1162/89(92)

來函檔號 YOUR REF:

Tel.No.

GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT

LOWER ALBERT ROAD

HONG KONG

28 August 1992

i

8103560

Mr. C.J. Kelly,

B4 Division,

Home Office

India Buildings,

Water Street,

Liverpool,

England.

Dear Chris,

Mr. Manis, ofr

do

1/7.

Mr. Kelly would be grateful

you may

Before sending

for any thoughts you have on this defined, sendas e ply

Jus17.

British Nationality Selection Scheme

Our review of the British Nationality Scheme is progressing on schedule.

We have looked at quite a wide range of issues and are in the process of formulating our views on them. We intend to consult the Steering Committee towards the end of October before going firm on our proposals. At this point, however, we like to seek your advice on the question of timing for the second phase of the Scheme which I understand you have discussed with other officers of the Home Office and our Ian Strachan earlier this month.

As all the preparations for the second phase hinge on the question of its timing, I would welcome your advice on it in advance of our approach to the Steering

Committee.

We see considerable advantage in implementing the second phase of the Scheme immediately after the end of the first phase. It will keep up the momentum of the Scheme and will ensure that the expertise and resources which have been built up in the current phase will not be lost. We do not favour putting off the second phase of the Scheme until a later date. Given the public demand for a safety exit to be available as soon as possible, deferment of the Scheme will only lessen its impact.

We have considered the option of advancing the second phase so that it will overlap with the last 3 months of the first phase. However, this arrangement will result in additional rather than less staff resources being required on our part, as Immigration staff after completing the last batch of verification interviews in June 1993 will still be heavily involved in the issuing of registration certificates and the processing of passport applications. There would also be legal complications if the two phases were to overlap, since the 1990 Order permits a person to apply only in one occupational group in any single period specified in a direction.

A