TNAG-2947-FCO40-4223-Third-Country-Right-of-Abode-Schemes-for-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 16

the Warfar I. Wooglow past. 3/4 PAJ.

pages 612

Reference: CON 349/3

25 August 1993

MUD 341/141

RECEIVED

DE:

-6 SEP 1993

GISTRY Action Tajem

Ms Deborah Barnes Jones Hong Kong Department FCO

British Embassy Lima

54

Edificio El Pacífico Washington

Natalio Sánchez 125

Lima 1 Peru

(P.O. Box No. 854 Lima 100)

Telephone: 33-4738/4839/4932/5032/5137 Telex: 25230 PE PRODROME

Facsimile: 33.47.35

новости деки

FOREIGN RIGHT OF ABODE SCHEMES FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS

1. I called on Ambassador Domingo da Fieno, Head of the MFA's Consular Department, on Tuesday 25 August. Da Fieno has been appointed chairman of an official-level committee looking at ways to improve Perú's methods of attracting foreign investment and encouraging technology transfer by immigration. He has also been providing advice to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Congreso Constituyente Democratico which is debating a draft law on citizenship and immigration.

2. Da Fieno admitted that past policy had been a mess, and the appointment of the Hong Kong firm, Blooming Strong, as sole administrative agent for the Far East, a disaster. That arrangement had been terminated. But Perú continued to issue 'non-passports' to selected potential immigrants and investors. These were the same booklet used for normal passports, but with an 'immigrant' endorsement in the space where nationality is normally stated. These non-passports are, according to da Fieno, rather useless documents. They are not recognised by Perú's neighbours and Spain, for example, imposes a more stringent visa regime for non-passport holders than for holders of Chinese passports.

3. The Peruvians are now working towards a more logical system, drawing heavily on Canadian and Australian experience. Financial investment in Perú will not be the sole criterion; people with technical skills or artistic or sporting talent will also be able, indeed encouraged, to apply. Special consideration will be given to people with family connections in Perú, a measure already being taken with those from ex- Yugoslavia who wish to join relatives already here.