1981 and agreement.
CONFIDENTIAL
NATIONALITY PROVISIONS UNSATISFACTORY TO THOSE
VALUING BDTC STATUS?
142. Hong Kong BDTCs will be able to acquire new form of British
nationality that carries broadly same status as BDTC status except
for transmission by descent. Holders of new status will be able to use British passports, be eligible for British consular protection in third countries. They will be Commonwealth citizens and will
have a right to registration as British citizens on the same terms as BDTCs. Clearly inappropriate to retain BDTC status when Hong
Kong no longer a dependent territory.
POSITION OF PEOPLE OUTSIDE HONG KONG?
143. Eligible BDTCs outside Hong Kong will be able to apply for the new form of nationality to their appropriate local British
representative.
WHO WILL PROCESS APPLICATIONS?
144. Not yet decided, but applications by virtue of a connection with a particular territory are normally dealt with in the territory
concerned.
APPLICATIONS FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER SECTION 4(5) OF THE BNA
1981 ON THE GROUNDS OF CROWN SERVICE IN HONG KONG?
145. A number of [234] applications for British citizenship under this provision are currently under consideration, and it is not
Each of possible to say at present what the outcome will be.
them is being carefully considered on its own merits in the light of the individual circumstances of each case. [Of the approximately 3 million Hong Kong BDTCs no more than 250,000 are Crown Servants, and thus eligible to apply under section 4(5).]
B.
CHINESE MEMORANDUM
DUAL NATIONALITY?
146. The Chinese have made clear that they are prepared to allow persons whom they consider to be Chinese nationals to travel on documents issued by other states.
CONFIDENTIAL
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