TNAG-2941-FCO40-4217-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 81

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1.1

THE PLIGHT OF ETHNIC MINORITIES IN HONG KONG

THE RIGHT TO FULL CITIZENSHIP

Although this paper seeks to put the case on behalf of those ethnic minorities in

Hong Kong who presently hold British Dependent Territories Citizen passports

("BDTC') or British National Overseas passports ("BNO") for full British

citizenship in the run up to the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997,

reference is made in this paper to the position of those of Indian descent only as

they represent the largest proportion of those affected.

2.

History of the Indians in Hong Kong

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

In 1841 when the British flag was raised in Hong Kong, 2,700 Indian troops

and 4 Indian merchants witnessed the historic ceremony.

Over the next few decades the number of Indians in Hong Kong grew. Indian

migration to the colony was of 2 main kinds : those who came under contract

with the Colonial Government and others who came for trade and commerce.

Those who came under contract with the Colonial Government worked for the

civil service, police force and army as the British Government either did not

desire or could not find Chinese recruits. The Indians were brought here to

work for the betterment of the Empire.

The heads of the leading Indian trading houses were known for their charitable

and public works. They were law abiding and strong supporters of local social

and charitable causes. As examples of their contribution to Hong Kong, the

following institutions were set up by Indians or with support from the Indian

community :

INDIAN RESOURCES GROUP

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