TNAG-2940-FCO40-4216-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 102

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DPANLA

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

10 March 1993

香港立法局

一九九三年三月十日

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nationality either by registering as British Nationals (Overseas) (BNOs) or automatically as British Overseas Citizens (BOCs). In either case, they can continue to hold British passports. They will be eligible for British consular protection throughout the world, including in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Their status as British nationals will be transmissible to their children and grandchildren. Transmission by descent. will not go beyond the second generation, but nor does it for any expatriate British citizen living outside the United Kingdom.

I agree, however, with Members that the ethnic minorities are in a special position, and I acknowledge the valuable contribution which they have made to Hong Kong. I accept that most members of the group have every intention of staying in Hong Kong, and are simply seeking a reassurance which will enable them to face their future in Hong Kong with confidence.

I recognize the strength of feeling of many Members of this Council that the existing assurances are not adequate for the purpose, and that full British citizenship should be granted. If the motion today is passed, we will certainly put the case once more forcefully to the British Government.

PRESIDENT: Miss Emily LAU, do you wish to reply? You have 5 minutes 50 seconds.

MISS EMILY LAU: Thank you, Mr President. Needless to say I am deeply disappointed and saddened and disturbed by the Government's response and I am actually at a loss as to how the Government is going to

vote.

Mr President, it is very, very sad that the British Government should use this occasion to turn down our request. And of course I do not accept their argument that they cannot increase the quota of the Nationality Selection Scheme or they would need new primary legislation in order to give these ethnic minorities a new arrangement. If there is a will, there is a way, Mr President. Throughout the debate Members have repeatedly said that we know it is an uphill battle and it is very difficult. But I think the least that this Council and the ethnic minorities can expect is the full support of the Hong Kong Government. And the Security for Security did. not tell us that. But I certainly hope that the three government officials

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