TNAG-2940-FCO40-4216-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 30

37-JUN-1993

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(iii) possible statelessness for either themselves, their

children or grandchildren;

(iv) restrictions on transmissibility of their British

nationality;

(v)

vulnerability and isolation in Hong Kong because of their ethnic origins;

(vi) insufficiency of British citizenship places available

under the Selection Scheme;

(vii) inadequacy of UK immigration assurance.

They seek full British citizenship and right of abode in the UK. LegCo feel considerable sympathy for this particular section of the Hong Kong community and are

pressing the case on their behalf.

Points to make

these

(a) BN(0)/BOC nationality and passports second rate

passports are accepted around the world virtually on the same basis as the BDTC passport; holders do not need entry clearance for admission to the UK (unless they are seeking admission for a purpose, eg settlement, for which entry clearance is mandatory); they give the holder an entitlement to registration as British citizens providing they have completed five years UK residence and have settled status; they also confer commonwealth citizenship. Holders will enjoy British consular protection both in Hong Kong (if they are

Chinese nationals as well) and

(b)

worldwide.

-

Right of abode in Hong Kong the Joint Declaration and article 24 (2)(6) of the Basic Law guarantees the ethnic minorities' right of abode in Hong Kong if they do not have

a right of abode elsewhere. The Chinese authorities have said that they are keen that people in Hong Kong of non-

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