MCLC: Chinese nationality

[Denton, Kirk]

MCLC LIST
From: jjalvaro <jjalvaro at student.cityu.edu.hk>
Subject: Chinese nationality
***********************************************************

The Gao discussion touches on the issue of Chinese identity/nationality
and I thought this article from the 'South China Morning Post' might be of
interest to members.

Joe

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Source: South China Morning Post (8/18/12):
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a
0a0/?vgnextoid=ec228bca17539310VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=Columns+%26+Insi
ght&s=Opinion

Chinese nationality scheme should be more open to ethnic minorities

The Immigration Department has a long-standing scheme allowing foreigners
to become Chinese nationals. This paper reported what is known to be the
first batch of approvals for two Indians in Hong Kong in 2002. Since then
there have been more high-profile cases, including retired civil servant
Mike Rowse, businessman Allan Zeman and, most recently, district
councillor Paul Zimmerman. Although each applicant has his own reasons for
becoming a Chinese national, the gradual increase in the annual
applications to around 1,200 in recent years is generally seen as a sign
of confidence in the "one country, two systems" policy.

Regrettably, the scheme appears to remain opaque and inconsistent over the
past decade, with decisions being erratic and even discriminatory
sometimes. Recently, a Pakistani woman who arrived 30 years ago and is now
divorced was turned away. Another Hong Kong-born Pakistani, who speaks
fluent Chinese, said the department had discouraged him from filing an
application, citing the requirement that at least one parent be a Chinese
national. The two applicants apparently meet some of the factors that the
department is prepared to take into account, such as whether Hong Kong is
their habitual residence.

The Chinese Nationality Law Article 7 does not limit naturalisation to
those who have settled in China or have near relatives who are Chinese.
Approval is also given to those who have "other legitimate reasons". Since
the handover, more than 15,000 people have become Chinese nationals. We
appreciate that every application has its own circumstances. But questions
have to be asked about why immigration officials seem to have routinely
dissuaded applications from ethnic minorities. Many foreign nationals and
ethnic minorities have contributed to our society for generations. They
have taken Hong Kong as their only home and want to become locals. There
is no reason why their applications should not be considered.