NEWS RELEASES
MINISTERS ROBILLARD AND AXWORTHY ANNOUNCEVISA-FREE ACCESS FOR HONG KONG'S VISITORS
March 19, 1997 No. 54
MINISTERS ROBILLARD AND AXWORTHY ANNOUNCE
VISA-FREE ACCESS FOR HONG KONG'S VISITORS
Luciennne Robillard, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and Lloyd Axworthy,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that holders of certain Hong Kong
travel documents will be exempt from Canada's visitor visa requirement.
Specifically, 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.
"Canada has an enormous stake in a smooth transition and in the continued well-being of the people of Hong Kong. This arrangement is an important re-affirmation
of Canada's confidence in the future of Hong Kong," said Mr. Axworthy. "It
underlines the important principles of continuity and autonomy promised for Hong
Kong after July 1, 1997."
In November 1996, Minister Robillard announced that Citizenship and Immigration
Canada and the Immigration Department of Hong Kong had signed three memorandums of
understanding covering such matters as the orderly removal to Hong Kong of its
residents who are found to have violated Canadian law. Madame Robillard noted
that Canada concluded this arrangement directly with the Hong Kong Government,
since immigration will continue to fall under Hong Kong authority following the
transition. This is in keeping with the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and
Hong Kong's Basic Law. The Chinese government has indicated its support for this
approach.
"I have watched with great satisfaction the development of a vibrant and mutually
beneficial relationship between the people of Hong Kong and Canada," observed
Madame Robillard. "Visitor visa exemption for visitors, along with the
demonstrated goodwill of the appropriate authorities, will encourage this
relationship to continue for the benefit of all our peoples," she added.
Visitor visa exemption for Hong Kong is one of a number of initiatives by which
the Canadian government is working to protect Canadian interests through the
transition in Hong Kong. At a speaking engagement in Toronto on March 24, Mr.
Axworthy will launch a new publication on the conditions of entry and residency in
Hong Kong, after the territory's transition to Chinese sovereignty. The purpose
of the brochure is to provide a guide for Canadians visiting or resident in Hong
Kong.
Canada has long-standing commercial and people-to-people ties with Hong Kong.
There are about half a million Canadians of Hong Kong origin living in Canada.
Over 100 000 Canadian citizens currently reside in Hong Kong.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Benoît Chiquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
(613) 954-1064
Joanne John
Media Relations
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 941-7040
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
Citizenship and Immigration Canada Internet site: http://cicnet.ci.gc.ca
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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