Key facts
- The British Nationality Bill was passed by the UK Parliament on October 30, 1981.
- The legislation impacted nationality laws for British colonies, including Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong-born British subjects lost their right of UK residence in 1962.
The passage of the British Nationality Bill through the UK Parliament in 1981 proved to be an emotional issue for Hong Kong, sparking fears that the colony was sliding into political limbo. The bill completed its parliamentary journey on October 30, 1981, redrawing nationality laws that impacted then-colonies, including Hong Kong. Many were surprised by the strength of feeling against the legislation, given that Hong Kong-born British subjects had already lost their right of residence in the United Kingdom back in 1962.