TNAG-2633-FCO40-3824-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-Nationality-(Hong-K-1992 — Page 127

November 1992

Ian Harris Esq

Bonas Machine Co Ltd

Dukesway

Team Valley Trading Estate Gateshead

ME11 OLF

assig

Thank you for your letter of 9 November.

I am keen to do all I can to help companies such as your own play your full part in Britain's economic recovery. I have therefore looked closely into the background to your problem. As you will be aware, Applications for British citizenship are assessed in accordance with the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990. Applicants acquire points under a rigorous system on the basis of their age, experience, education and other criteria set out in this Act. Those who fail to gain a place under the first phase of the scheme can ef COUESO„ apply again in the second phase which is tentatively scheduled to begin in 1994.

+57d

As far as your own employees are concerned, I am advised that their applications were both properly considered under the criteria set out in the legislation. I understand that the occupational group under which they applied was particularly competitive.

I well understand the difficulties which your company faces as a result of the uncertainty over these two key employees. But there is simply no provision in the legislative for discretion to be exercised on any individual application within the General Occupational Class. I do not therefore see any alternative to your two technicians reapplying under the second phase of the scheme.

Bonas.machine.NAT

JEB

PRIME MINISTER