TNAG-2715-FCO40-3921-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1993 — Page 17

NATIONALITY

NON-CHINESE ETHNIC MINORITIES

Do HMG recognise and appreciate the contribution this community

has made to Hong Kong?

- HMG recognise the contribution made to Hong Kong by this community; they have an important part to play in ensuring the continuing prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

LegCo is committed to securing agreement to grant this group

British citizenship. Have our representations been passed on?

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Yes, fully aware of LegCo's position, which is shared by the

Governor. LegCo delegation came to see me in June, Governor has

brought the matter up on several occasions.

Will the British Government give full British Citizenship to

members of this community?

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No.

Parliament specifically considered the position of this community during the passage of the British Nationality (Hong Kong Act) 1990 but decided that there was no case for special treatment. Home Office Ministers have looked again at this decision following representations from the Hong Kong Legislative Council but considered that the position of this

community was adequately protected and that there was no need

for fresh legislation.

Can members of this community obtain British Citizenship ?

Yes. Members of the ethnic minorities are free to compete on the same basis as any other BDTCs in the British Nationality scheme established in 1990 to give British Citizenship to up to

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