NATIONALITY
CONFIDENTIAL
Why exchange of Memoranda? Status?
Is
22. The two governments agreed that separate exchange of memoranda was most appropriate way of dealing with nationality questions. associated with Joint Declaration and part of package as a whole.
Comprises unilateral statements setting out the position side. The two sides agreed that they should be published.
initialled on same occasion as text of agreement.
Format of "new" British passports?
23. Details not yet decided.
International recognition of SAR and new-style passports?
of each
Texts
24. Both SAR and new-style British passports will contain clear
statement of holder's right of abode in Hong Kong SAR. SAR
Government will be assisted or authorised by Central People's
Government to conclude visa abolition agreements. HMG will do all
they can to secure for holders of new-style British passports the
s ame access to other countries as
as that enjoyed at present by holders
of BDTC passports. Every reason to be confident of international
acceptance of these passports.
Timing of Orders in Council to amend BNA
25. Amendments will be needed to implement UK Memorandum.
will be put to the House in due course.
Acquisition of new status only until 1 July 1997?
These
26. This was point of principle for Chinese. But able to negotiate special arrangements for those born immediately before 1 July 1997 and those included in passports of parents before 1 July 1997.
Loss of transmissibility?
27.
Also point of principle
of principle for Chinese. HMG fought hard for it
forced to conclude finally that it was
that it was not negotiable.
but was
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