TNAG-2951-FCO40-4228-Hong-Kong-visa-free-travel-for-British-Nationals-(Overseas)--1993 — Page 67

-

Hong Kong has close business links with Europe.

Europe is

also a favourite tourist destination. The imposition of visas will deter business visitors and tourists, with negative impact

on the business and tourist sectors on both sides.

If many Hong Kong people apply for visas, this will pose unnecessary resource problems for the consulates/countries

involved.

- We know that their countries share our aim of sustaining confidence in Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents set great store by their access to third countries. Continuity in visa-free travel arrangements like those between Hong Kong and the majority of Schengen countries is an important factor in supporting

confidence; likewise, the imposition of new visa restrictions

undermines confidence.

A list showing the present visa requirements of the 12 EC countries for BN (O) and BDTC passport holders is attached for

reference.

visa.ec.NAT

SLM