The arguments for the grant of full British nationality
5.
Full British nationality should be granted to this group of non-Chinese ethnic minorities on the following grounds:
(a) Many of the ethnic minorities were born in Hong Kong or have resided here for many years. Their personal ties with their countries of ethnic origin may be non-existent or very thin. Those who came to Hong Kong came not because it is a Chinese territory, but because it is British. They have been brought up in Hong Kong and educated here and in western countries. Returning to their countries of ethnic origin or applying to become Chinese nationals are therefore not realistic options for them.
(b) The ethnic minorities live in Hong Kong because they have faith in the laws and system of the British Government. They have no other nationality and have sworn allegiance to Britain. The British Government, therefore, has a moral obligation and cannot escape responsibility for these people.
(c) The British Government is responsible for the special situation in which the ethnic minorities may find themselves. The British Government, being a signatory of the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, should honour its legal obligation to prevent these people from becoming stateless as a result of the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong to China.
(d) The ethnic minorities have rendered valuable service to the community and substantial contribution to the economy. They should be given assurance on their nationality to encourage their continued stay in and contribution to Hong Kong.
(e) The British Nationality Scheme was launched after 1989 to help restore confidence. It was not intended as a solution to the nationality problem and it would not provide a solution to the particular problem faced by the ethnic minorities. A separate arrangement should therefore be made. This was endorsed by the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee in its June 1989 report on Hong Kong.
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