NEWS RELEASES
NEW GUIDE FOR CANADIANSVISITING OR RESIDENT IN HONG KONG
March 24, 1997 No. 61
NEW GUIDE FOR CANADIANS
VISITING OR RESIDENT IN HONG KONG
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
Raymond Chan today released a new publication on the conditions of entry and
residency in Hong Kong, after the territory's transition to Chinese sovereignty on
July 1, 1997.
"Canada has a tremendous stake in a smooth transition. We have longstanding and
close people-to-people ties, and I want to ensure the well-being of Canadians as
they continue to travel, live and work in Hong Kong," said Minister Axworthy
during a speech to faculty and students at the University of Toronto.
The new publication, Hong Kong: A Guide for Visiting and Resident Canadians,
describes the four categories of entry and residency, namely the right of abode,
the right to land, unconditional stay and conditional stay. The publication also
outlines other considerations related to, for instance, dual nationality, the
availability of consular services and returning to Canada.
"The Government of Canada continues to actively seek clarification on the
policies, procedures and arrangements allowing Canadians to work and live in Hong
Kong after July 1, 1997," said Mr. Axworthy.
"We believe it is important for Canadians who live, travel and do business in Hong
Kong to become familiar with how they may be affected by the territory's
transition to Chinese sovereignty," said Secretary of State Chan at a news
conference in Vancouver. "We urge Canadians to read this publication and check
with the Department periodically to obtain updates or additional information as
they become available."
The Government of Canada encourages all Canadians to use only their Canadian
citizenship as the basis for international travel and all dealings with other
governments. This includes obtaining entry and residency status in Hong Kong
and/or any other country.
Last week, the Government announced that holders of the Hong Kong British National
Overseas (BNO) passport and, as of July 1, 1997, the Special Administrative Region
(SAR) passport, will not require visitor visas in order to visit Canada.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Hilary Humphrey
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia Pacific)
(613) 995-1852
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document and the publication are available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca or by calling the InfoCentre at 1-800-267-8376 or
(613) 944-4000.
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