TNAG-2943-FCO40-4219-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 27

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7.13

enshrined in British Nationality Act 1981 restricting

right of abode in United Kingdom to British citizens.

-Not concible to draw analogies. Different historical

and constitutional factors are reflected in long

standing differences between the two countries'

policies and legislation.

Hong Kong residents can acquire Portuguese citizenship easily

through Macau.

Not

So, Portuguese

Nationality Act

1981

ended

automatic Portuguese citizenship for Macau residents.

Now only those children born in Macau of Portuguese

citizens are entitled to Portuguese nationality.

Naturalisation

criteria

The

is granted very sparingly.

(good character, economic independence,

ability to speak Portuguese) are applied very

strictly.

Why cannot the wives and widows of ex-servicemen in Hong Kong be

granted British citizenship?

There is no provision in the British Nationality Act.

1981 to grant Britich citizenship to these ladies

without a period of residence in the United Kingdom.

It is not appropriate to introduce new legislation to

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