TNAG-2942-FCO40-4218-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 51

27-JUL-1993

14:32

HK GOVERNMENT HOUSE

852 521 1868

P.04

26-JUL-1333

17:15

CHIEF SECRETARI

MUNU NUMU

+ 852 pie 6754

F.04

3

6.

This Order amends the method for allocating the quota among groups, and provides the Governor with flexibility to re-allocate the quota if any particular group

is under-subscribed. It also makes some minor amendments to the points system. A copy of the Hansard of the debates on these two Orders will be made available to Members of this Council as soon as possible.

7.

In the last two weeks, both the House of Commons and the House of Lords have also debated whether full British citizenship should be granted to members of the ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. The strong support of this Councii -- and of the Hong Kong Government for the case of the ethnic minorities was cited specifically and repeatedly during the course of these debates. It is, I believe, well known in London that this issue is a matter of widespread concern in Hong Kong, a concern that is shared and endorsed by the Governor and the Administration, by the Executive Council and by Members of this Council.

8. In replying to these debates, Minister emphasised that members of the ethnic minorities would not in fact become stateless as their British nationality would continue through BN(O) status or through status as BOCs. And their right of abode in Hong Kong was guaranteed under the Joint Declaration. Ministers did not therefore agree that members of the ethnic minorities should be provided with full British citizenship. Minister did not consider that more could or should be done. But Ministers did take the opportunity to

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