TNAG-2638-FCO40-3830-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1992 — Page 8

94

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

18 November 1992

香港立法局

一九九二年十一月十八日

94

short time it became clear that the British authorities were not going to accept any further responsibility for settling in Britain people born under the British flag in former British territories no matter what their ethnic background might be.

Hong Kong is one of the territories most affected by this overall change in policy. It is an international city which has provided sanctuary and given work to countless thousands of economic immigrants. The common trading, language and legal practices of British Commonwealth and Empire territories brought many such immigrants from China, India and other Asian countries. Many of the non-Chinese, as I have said, may become stateless in 1997 unless special measures are taken now. The Indians, as an ethnic minority, are probably the largest group at risk. I am indebted to the Indian Resources Group (IRG) for advice and information given to me in preparing for this debate. The IRG was recently set up by young Indians who care deeply about Hong Kong, who contribute substantially to the economy and who wish to be able to stay here after 1997 with some degree of assurance as to their nationality. Other Indian groups have taken this matter up with the Hong Kong and British Governments during the last six or seven years without much satisfaction.

At this point I should say that the contribution of the ethnic Indians to Hong Kong is very large indeed. I had the task during my years in the Government of assessing their contribution to our trade. I can recall that exports by Indian companies in Hong Kong represented at that time almost 10% of all our exports. That percentage is probably no longer valid but it is clear that the Indian contribution to Hong Kong, not only in trade but in many other aspects of our development, has been significant. We do not want to see them leave and they should be encouraged to continue to contribute.

It may be thought that the ethnic minorities should not be given any better treatment in terms of nationality than Hong Kong people generally. They have the chance to compete for the award of nationality in the British Nationality Scheme.

I would dispute that view. I think the ethnic minorities are especially vulnerable to isolation and discrimination once the British influence has gone. At the very least, the British Government must accept some responsibility for them since it was the British Government which established the situation where they may become stateless.