Right of abode
Sir: To the Whitehall record of reckless- ness over Hong Kong (Letters and Leading article, 10 June) I would like to throw in my two pennies' worth: in early 1987 the Department of Immigration and that of Employment respectively turned down my applications for residence and work permit after I had graduated from London Uni- versity. This was in spite of migrant resi- dence visas already held by the rest of the family (both parents, all siblings), keen employment sponsorship and the best part of a decade spent in Britain as a student. Naturally I was mistaken in thinking that sentimental consideration was sufficient material against icy, xenophobic red tape of the British variety. The impression was a case of serious naivety.
Australia now has my eternal gratitude for recognising my potential contribution, such as it is. Though never would I relinquish my priceless English education for anything else in the world. Not even, perhaps, for a real British passport.
Samuel Pang
6/2 Victoria Square, Summer Hill, Sydney 2131, Australia
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