27-OCT-1993 11:45
HK GOVERNMENT HOUSE
852 521 1868 P.05
Nationality Issues
9.
On the case of the wives and widows of former servicemen, Mr Goodlad said that the existing provisions of the British Nationality Act did not allow the Home Secretary to exercise discretion in respect of a specific category of applicants. Nonetheless, HMG had no intention yet to amend the relevant legislation to waive the residence requirement for the wives and widows to be granted full British citizenship.
10.
As regards non-Chinese ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, HMG stood by the assurance that should they come under pressure to leave Hong Kong after 1997 and had nowhere to go, HMG was prepared to assume full responsibility for this particular group.
11.
Members expressed their strong disappointment and utter dissatisfaction with HMG's lack of flexibility and commitment to look after this small number of British subjects.
Common Visa Requirement by Schengen Convention Countries
12.
Mr Goodlad advised that at present the Schengen Convention signatories had no plans for a common approach towards requiring visas for Hong Kong people. On learning of the decision Spain to impose visa requirement on Hong Kong visitors, HMG had immediately made representations to the senior level of the Spanish authorities. HMG would continue lobbying on behalf of Hong Kong.
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Conclusion
13.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. when the Minister and his party joined the President and Members of the Legislative Council for dinner.
OMLEGCO 20.10.1993
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