Right of abode rules to be framed in time for the handover, Indians told

Right of abode rules are to be framed by the provisional legislature in time for July 1, Indian businessmen representing the ethnic minorities heard in Beijing yesterday.

Lu Ping, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, told the Indian Chamber of Commerce that the 'criteria, regulations and procedures' would be ready for the handover.

Britain is still trying to strike a deal on the right of abode through the Joint Liaison Group. Governor Chris Patten's spokesman Kerry McGlynn said last night that any legislation emanating from the interim body would be liable to legal challenge.

Mr McGlynn said: 'Everyone knows what our views are on the provisional legislature.

'We are still discussing the issue in the JLG.' The Indian delegation said Mr Lu had assured them that ethnic minorities would be able to obtain Special Administrative Region passports, subject to meeting requirements.

Indian Chamber of Commerce chairman Raj Sital said some members of the ethnic minorities might still opt for the SAR passport, despite the British Government's decision to grant British citizenship.