CONFIDENTIAL
card which is evidence of his right of abode in the SAR.
NEED TO CARRY SAR IDENTITY CARD AS WELL AS BN (O) PASSPORT?
33. The Government will be discussing with Chinese authorities the wording of a statement to be included in BN (O) passports. The aim will be to ensure that an individual need make use only of his
passport, without also having to provide his identity card, to
satisfy immigration officials of third countries that he has the right of abode in Hong Kong.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF SAR AND NEW-STYLE PASSPORTS?
Given
34. The Government have undertaken to make every effort to explain arrangements to third countries. This will be done between enactment of Order in Council and issue of BN (O) passports. clear indication of right of abode, no reason for third countries to introduce new restrictions on entry of BN (O) passport holders.
WILL NEW PASSPORTS BE ISSUED BEFORE 1997? WILL THEY RUN IN PARALLEL
WITH OLD PASSPORTS?
35. No decision yet. But under terms of UK Memorandum BN(O)
passports must be issued by 30 June 1997, except in respect of
children born in first half of 1997. At the same time, BDTC status
will remain up to 30 June 1997. Will be period during which BDT
and BN(O) status will be held concurrently
•
WILL BDTCS LOSE STATUS BEFORE 1997?
36.
No.
People who acquire the status of BN(O) before 1997 will
be entitled to retain their BDTC status until 1 July 1997.
DOES USE OF "MAY" RATHER THAN "SHALL" IN PARAGRAPH 2(1)(b) OF THE
SCHEDULE IMPLY THAT SOME BDTCS WILL NOT ACQUIRE THE NEW STATUS?
37. No. The word "may" is used because it will be up to BDTCs to
opt for the new status. There is no question of them being compelled to acquire it against their will. There is no question that those eligible persons who apply for the new status will be
refused
it.
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