British Consulate-General, Hong Kong

. [ [http://ukinhongkong.fco.gov.uk/en] ] [ [http://ukinhongkong.fco.gov.uk/en/uk-in-macao/] ]

The British Consulate-General also handles passport applications received by the British Trade and Cultural Office in the Republic of China, which is commonly known by its major island Taiwan. [ [http://ukintaiwan.fco.gov.uk/en/our-offices-in-taiwan/our-office-in-taipei/] ] Besides, it also receives registrations of marriages from British nationals in the Republic of China, although there is no legal requirement for British nationals to do so. [ [http://ukintaiwan.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-taiwan/how-register-marriage] ]

The previous consul-general was Stephen Bradley, who term of office was ended on 4 April, 2008. Due to Hong Kong's unique status, the consul-general reports directly to the Foreign Office, instead of going through the British Embassy in Beijing. ["Hong Kong Economic Journal", 3rd July, 2007, Page 34.]

An unprecedented open recruitment exercise was held to search for Bradley's successor. ["South China Morning Post", Page 2, 13th December, 2007.] Andrew Seaton assumed the position ["The Standard", [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=58694&sid=16758268&con_type=1&d_str=20071215&fc=10 Britain chooses mainland expert to head consular office] , 15th December, 2007] on 22 April, 2008.

The consulate-general was designed by British architects Terry Farrell and Partners. Occupied in October 1996, it was a HK$ 290 million project, with the British Council in an adjourning building opened in the following December.

Together with the Consulate General of the United States of America, the Consulate General of Malaysia, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, the British Consulate-General is among the few consulates-general in the territory to have their own buildings.

List of Consuls-General

* Andrew Seaton (2008 - )
* Stephen Bradley (2003 - 2008)
* Sir James Hodge KCVO, CMG (2000 - 2003)
* Sir Andrew Burns KCMG, CMG (1997 - 2000)
* Francis Cornish CMG, LVO (1997; Senior British Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong before 1st July, 1997)

See also

*British diplomatic missions
*Diplomatic missions in Hong Kong
*Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London

References