TNAG-2633-FCO40-3824-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-Nationality-(Hong-K-1992 — Page 112

VERMENT HOUSE HUNG KUNG.

NUM 02 NOV JE LUER

19.J1

Background

CONFIDENTIAL

- 2 -

42

3.

Under article 12(2) of the Schedule to the British Nationality (Hong Kong) (Selection Scheme) Order 1990, the points to be allocated to a non-civil service applicant in OG1 "Managers & Administrators" for each year's relevant experience are determined by reference to his average earnings in accordance with the table set out in nex 1 Annex 1.

4.

This method for calculating experience points is unique to OG1 non-civil service applicants. When the points system was constructed, the general belief then was that the quality of experience of a manager or an administrator could not, like those of other professionals, be measured solely by years of service as there were literally no prescribed qualifications for entry to this occupational group nor were there any established career path (especially for small business operators). It was considered more convenient to take account of the quality of experience by reference to applicants' earning power or income level.

5.

special

In constructing the original scale of points for earnings, consideration was given to the following two general principles :-

(a) the scale should be able to differentiate applicants;

and

(b) it should be equitable to both salaried executives and

businessmen in the OG.

CONFIDENTIAL