Source: Hindustan Times
HONG KONG, CHINA, December 8, 2002: East Indians in Hong Kong may now have an opportunity to become Chinese citizens. Fifteen-year-old Vehka Harjani, born in Hong Kong, has been granted Chinese nationality and a Hong Kong passport. She is the first recorded case where an Ethnic Indian with no Chinese blood or relatives has obtained these documents. In the past, ethnic Indians applying for Chinese citizenship were denied. A top Indian consular official says, “It is a pointer towards a new approach towards ethnic minorities.” Indian businessman and social activist Ravi Gidumal adds, “The move is an important milestone for Hong Kong Indians.”