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BN (0) passport might fail to satisfy some immigration authorities as evidence that the holder has the right of abode
in Hong Kong. The fact had best be stated categorically in the passports to avoid any misunderstanding and inconvenience. If this could be done, then I see no objection to either the title
of British National (Overseas) or the use of the new passports
bearing this new title before 1997, although I still do not see
the necessity for such a move.
The argument that lead time is required for administrative reasons may easily be countered, for early issuance of the passports can still take place while the valid date commences on 1st July 1997. The other rationale for advancing the valid date is that these new documents can be
tested well before 1997. Attractive as this may sound, we must
not overlook the fact that there will be a change over, however
smooth it may be, from the existing Hong Kong government to the
future Hong Kong SAR government. Hence the test before the change of government would only be meaningful if there can be a guarantee that the future SAR government will honour the commitment made by the present government to admit holders of the BN (0) passports if and when they are refused entry by a third country, and are consequently repatriated back to Hong
Kong, and to bear full costs of such repatriation.
The last paragraph of Annex I Section 14 states :-
"The Central People's Government shall assist or
authorise the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Government to conclude visa abolition agreements with states or
regions."
It is important that the holders of BN (0) passports are included in any reciprocal visa agreement that the Hong Kong SAR government might choose to enter into with other
states. Otherwise they might be left out of arrangements which
should benefit all permanent residents of the Hong Kong SAR. I