TNAG-2941-FCO40-4217-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 8

questions.NAT

JEB

NON-CHINESE ETHNIC MINORITIES

HMG's treatment of this community fails adequately to

recognise and appreciate the contribution they make to Hong

Kong?

- HMG recognise the contribution made to Hong Kong by this

community; they have an important part to play in ensuring the continuing prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. We consider

that this community's interests have been adequately

protected.

Will the British Government give full British Citizenship to

members of this community?

No. Parliament specifically considered the position of this community during the passage of the British Nationality (Hong

Kong Act) 1990 but decided that there was no case for special

treatment. Home Office Ministers looked at this decision

again following representations from the Hong Kong Legislative Council in March but considered that the position of this

community was adequately protected and that there was no need

for fresh legislation.

Can members of this community obtain British Citizenship ?

Yes.

Members of the ethnic minorities are free to compete on the same basis as any other BDTCs in the British Nationality scheme established in 1990 to give British

Citizenship to up to 50,000 key people in the private and public sectors of Hong Kong without their having to leave Hong Kong. Some have already done so and are benefiting under the

scheme.