TNAG-2946-FCO40-4222-Hong-Kong-nationality-Macao-(Macau)-1993 — Page 18

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference.

X

75,000 Macao residents have or are eligible for Portuguese nationality. Portuguese MFA. Lisbon telno 28 of 27 January 1989 to FCO. CONFIDENTIAL

I do not have any more recent figures. We seem to be sticking with the vague estimate of 80-100,000 for the moment, but it is perhaps a question worth raising again with Lisbon and Macao at a suitable opportunity. It will not have increased greatly since 1989-90 as most of the increase will come from those born in Macao during the period, not all of whom will be eligible under Portuguese nationality law. Most of the present residents who are not already eligible are unlikely to qualify as they will need to demonstrate Portuguese language ability and (probably) a cultural connection with Portugal, even if they do qualify in length of residence.

RF Wye

Far Eastern Section

Research & Analysis Dept OAB 2/125 210 6219/6216 5 July 1993

CONFIDENTIAL