Canada: dual nationals with Hong Kong inmates asked to “choose one or the other”

A Hong Kong prisoner with Canadian and Chinese citizenship was asked to make a declaration of nationality on Jan. 18, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said Feb. 2.

In a statement to the Canadian Television Network (CTV), the authorities said the country has expressed concern about the Hong Kong government and continues to seek additional information from local authorities about any changes to the treatment of dual nationals.

Global Affairs said it is working with “likeminded partners” to protect the rights and safety of dual nationals in Hong Kong and advised that “Canadian citizens who wish to receive consular services should identify themselves to the department at all times. identify themselves as Canadians at all times.”

The authorities said, “We are aware of additional incidents of this type that involve dual nationals of other countries.”

The issue of the treatment of dual nationals in Hong Kong has also raised concerns in other countries. French media reports cited an unnamed U.S. official who said the U.S. was aware of more cases than this single case made public by Canada.

Photo shows Chinese and Canadian flags flying in the Forbidden City in Beijing on Dec. 4, 2017. (Getty)

A spokesman for the British consulate said the UK had sought a reply from the Hong Kong authorities “after hearing that they might cancel our consular visits to dual nationality prisoners and prevent us from providing the support we have been giving since 1997.”