TNAG-2633-FCO40-3824-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-Nationality-(Hong-K-1992 — Page 78

INVIO.

EVE

HUV 22

ro.

CONFIDENTIAL

Paper No. HK 2/92

British Nationality Scheme Implementation of the BNS in phases

Purpose

This paper sets out HKG's views on the number of phases in which the British Nationality Scheme (BNS) should operate.

Background

2.

The first phase of the BNS will end on 1 January 1994. The second phase of the Scheme should commence immediately after the first phase on 3 January 1994 (2 January being a Sunday) in order to maintain the momentum of the Scheme. This is on the understanding that it will not be prejudicial to people taking up sensitive posts near 1997.

3. The basis for implementing the BNS in phases is founded on the provision in Section 1(3) of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990, which empowers the Secretary of State to direct the Governor to make not more than a specified proportion of his recommendations in a period or periods specified in a direction. It has been the intention to implement the BNS in at least two phases, and the idea of a second phase is to reserve a small number of places for people who will qualify only at a later date. In November 1990, the Secretary of State directed that in the period beginning on 1 December 1990 and ending on 1 January 1994, the Governor of Hong Kong shall not make more than a certain number of recommendations in respect of all classes or descriptions of persons except those in the entrepreneurs class. This specified period in effect sets the timeframe for the first phase of the scheme.

CONFIDENTIAL