TNAG-2648-FCO40-3841-Visa-waiver-agreement-between-Hong-Kong-and-former-Eastern-B-1992 — Page 29

For information on

21 January 1992

CONFIDENTIAL

HKD 34512

42 EB 1997

NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

6

XCCI(92)2 Copy No.

Mr Morris

ZB.

Mr. Wschow

"/^23/1

24/1

VISA POLICY ON NATIONALS OF THE FORMER

SOVBLOC

INTRODUCTION

The last review of our policy on the admission of East Europeans and nationals of certain other countries to Hong Kong was conducted in January 1991. Members were informed of the resultant changes to our policy on 5 February 1991. Since the last review, there has been significant change in the countries which were previously described by the term "Sovbloc". Further developments are likely to take place in the future. The situation has not yet stabilised. The developments to date, however, have enabled us to make a further reappraisal of our visa policy for visitors to Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND

New Policy

2

that -

Following a review over the last two months we have decided

(a)

for nationals of the republics of the former USSR, Romania, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, we will institute a "report and delay" procedure, whereby visas for visits will be issued automatically seven working days after application, provided that no significant security trace is received on the applicant. This will apply to business and non-business visitors;

Executive Council