to
remain
RESTRICTED
it is the aim of our nationality policy to anchor people in place, not to encourage them to establish a close
connection with the UK in order to secure citizenship for
their children. That was the whole thrust of the British
Nationality (HK) Act of 1990.
-
Second, because the level of interest in Hong Kong means that we would gain disproportionate political benefit by agreeing to register the whole group rather
than choosing among them.
3. I see no need to extend this treatment to other
groups in Hong Kong seeking registration. Spouses of British citizens for example already have an open-ended entitlement to settle in the UK and, unlike these children, do not therefore need citizenship to encourage them/in Hong Kong.
m/in
4. Peter Lloyd indicated in his letter to
Malcolm Caithness of 21 November that he thought any concession would have to be limited to children under 18.
This is compatible with the terms of the 1990 Act and
OMELCO have said they would be happy with that. But they
have expressed concern about the effect of an age limit
on those children who were not 18 when their applications
were lodged in 1991, but who have since turned 18. I
hope it will also be possible to register these
individuals.
5. I hope we can lean in the direction of generosity for this entire group.
SECRETARY OF STATE
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.