TNAG-2951-FCO40-4228-Hong-Kong-visa-free-travel-for-British-Nationals-(Overseas)--1993 — Page 88

11-HUG-1993 16:19

POLITICAL ADVISER'S OFF.

852 804 6732

P.03

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In reassessing this question, we urge you to pay particular attention to the following considerations:

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BDTCS and BN (0)s are holders of British passports;

they have an excellent record of good behaviour and paying their way;

they are returnable to Hong Kong, where they have right of abode. The Joint Declaration guarantees that this

will continue after 1997;

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there is no history of illegal immigration from Hong Kong to Europe. Although many mainland Chinese travelling to other countries transit Hong Kong, Hong Kong has tough and efficient immigration and internal controls

including a compulsory ID card system which act as a deterrent to would-be illegal immigrants. Recently, Hong Kong reinforced controls on persons in direct transit who remain air-side, precisely to make illegal immigration

through Hong Kong even harder;

we know that your 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.

Political Adviser's Office

11 August 1993

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