TNAG-2939-FCO40-4215-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 58

CALLS ON MR HUM BY LEGCO COUNCILLORS 20 AND 21 JANUARY

NATIONALITY ISSUES

Line to take

(A) ETHNIC MINORITIES

Statelessness/right of abode

The ethnic minorities have been adequately protected in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. None will be

stateless.

Ministers have said that, if any solely British National, with no claim to Chinese nationality, comes under pressure to leave Hong Kong post-1997, the Government of the day would consider with particular sympathy their case for admission to

the UK.

[If pressed]

Cannot tie the hands of any future Government. clear and as firm an undertaking as we can give.

This is as

Those without other nationality should consider applying to naturalise as a British Dependant Territory Citizen (BDTC). This would secure right of abode before 1997. Continuation of right of abode post-97 is guaranteed in the Basic Law.

Eligibility for British Nationality Scheme

Members of the ethnic community can compete on a basis of equality under the British Nationality Scheme. Managers of

and there are many in the ethnic community

small businesses

- have done well.

line.goodlad.coop.NAT

JEB

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