ENG-1982 — Page 219

IMMIGRATION AND TOURISM

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and France. Besides these, individual countries accept refugees only for family reunion purposes, or because they have been rescued at sea by a ship bearing that country's flag.

British Nationality Act 1981

Although the British Nationality Act 1981 received the Royal Assent on October 30, 1981, its main provisions do not take effect until January 1, 1983. A small unit was established within the Immigration Department to plan the implementation of this complex piece of legislation. Consequential amendments to the Immigration Ordinance (Cap 115) were enacted by the end of 1982, principally to amend the definition of 'Hong Kong belonger'. In essence, from January 1, 1983, only a British Dependent Territories citizen with a qualifying connection with Hong Kong (as defined in the British Nationality Act 1981) has an absolute right to live in Hong Kong, but all persons who were Hong Kong belongers prior to January 1, 1983, remain regardless of citizenship.

It is estimated that as a consequence of the British Nationality Act 1981, about 10

per cent of children born in Hong Kong will not acquire citizenship by birth here. Those principally affected will be children born to illegal immigrants, to Vietnamese refugees and to visitors or temporary residents not settled in Hong Kong. Arrangements have been made to record a child's citizenship at the time that the birth is registered. This will be helpful to the child in later years when application is made for a passport.

Discussions on the nomenclature in British passports to be issued in Hong Kong after commencement date continued throughout the year. During her visit in September, the British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Margaret Thatcher, took an interest in this issue, which had aroused much local comment, and as a result it was decided that the status of a Hong Kong British national should be described in his passport as BRITISH/BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN/HONG KONG.

Tourism

Hong Kong received 2 609 100 visitors during the year (an increase of three per cent over 1981), and they spent an estimated $8.9 billion on goods and services while in the territory. This was a value increase of 10 per cent over the previous year.

Hong Kong Tourist Association

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The Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) is responsible for handling tourism and for proposing plans for its development. A statutory body established by the government, the HKTA co-ordinates the activities of the industry and advises the government on measures for ensuring its growth. The chairman and members of its board of management are appointed by the Governor. The HKTA is financed by a subvention from general revenue to which visitors contribute directly by way of a tax on hotel room charges. Members of the association also contribute through membership dues and a variety of co-operative activities.

The HKTA has its headquarters in the Connaught Centre, on the waterfront of Hong Kong Island. Information offices for visitors are maintained at three other locations: Hong Kong International Airport, the Star Ferry concourse in Kowloon and the Government Publications Centre near the Hong Kong terminal of the Star Ferry. These offices play an important role in ensuring that visitors obtain up-to-date information about Hong Kong. Analysis of the information requested and a continuous visitor survey programme provide valuable insights into visitors' needs and interests.