[ron]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and seeking help to further clarify questions that I have about qualifying for right of abode. Here is my sad but true story. My mother lived in hong kong for 20+ yrs leaving in 1976 while my father lived there for close to 15 yrs leaving in 1969. I have all their documentation from that period. My parents immigrated to canada where they got married. My father became a canadian citizen a few months before my birth, while my mother a couple years after my birth. What are my chances for ROA? Also of note, my mother passed away a couple of years ago, so I'm not sure how that will effect things.

Thanks in advance...

[TOOTS]

Hi Ron

I'm in the same boat. One of my parents is from HKG, but they both became UK citizern before the time of my birth. I gave all documents and supporting evidence of both parents to immigration dept (basing most of my application on my mum's side as she's the one from HKG). Immigration really only want to see your parents status at the time of your birth and sometimes travel documents prior to your birth to see their origin. It's still in the process, but they called me saying that I could have RTL (Right To Land) status, but that is to be confirmed. This is basically the same as ROA, the only difference on RTL is that they can deport you if you do something bad. The immigration officers advised me that it's best to give it a go. I think from conversations to Immigration so far, it sounds that you could have a good chance, but I don't know for sure as my application is still in the system. Pop into Immigration Tower, see reception to direct you to the right forms and floors and start applying, but be patient, so far I've been doing forms and giving additional info since May 2005.
I hope this helps.
GOOD LUCK!!!
T

[ron]

Toot,

Thanks for the info...let me know how things turn out for you. I will be stopping in hk in the near future to start the application process. I'm guessing this cant be done overseas? I'm planning to stay there on a travel visa for 3 months to apply for roa/rol. Hopefully this will be enough time to take care of all issues. I read in other postings that it was required for the parents to go alone as you applied. Was this the case for you?

Thanks....Ron

[TOOTS]

Hi Ron

I did this all by myself, they didn't even ask for my parents to come into Immigration Tower (they're in UK anyway), all they want is just photocopies of travel documents of your parents - so you can do all this on your own. I think it would be more difficult this from overseas. What I found is that they give you address labels to complete, and when they send you correspondance, they then give you a 2 week turnaround period to return everything, so best do this while you're here!! If I were you, I would go straight to Immigration Tower as soon as you arrive in HKG to give yourself the most optimal time while you're here. Yes - these issues have benn discussed many times in the forums and I've even emailed themwhilst I was in the UK, but the reponses are just standard chunks copied out of their website, swo face to face is much better.

Good luck, and let me know if you need help when you arrive.

Cheers

Toots

[ABornCDude]

Hi Toots:

I am in a similar position as you and Ron. Can I ask you a question:

Did your mother ever renew her HKID card while she lived in the UK? I am trying to determine my ROA chances as well, but my father has not touched his HK ID card since 1977. And he's too old to travel to Hong Kong, so it's good to hear that you can apply for yourself according to your case.

Thanks

[ron]

I just got a response about an enquiry I made to immigration. They stated that, "Hong Kong identity cards issued before 1 July 1987 have been declared null and void."
My parents left in the 60's and 70's without ever renewing, so I'm not really sure how things will turn out. I guess the best bet is to follow Toots lead, go there and roll the dice...see what comes up. FYI about emailing immigration...they are just copying and pasting what is on the website.