CONFIDENTIAL
WHAT PROVISION BEING MADE TO ASSESS NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENTITLED TO NEW
PASSPORTS SO THEY CAN BE ISSUED EFFICIENTLY?
19. There are approximately 3 million BDTCs in Hong Kong, of whom
over one million already hold BDTC passports. It is not possible to
determine the actual number who will wish to acquire the new
passports because this i s not compulsory. But clearly it would be
sensible to allow plenty of time for the issue of those
to those who apply for them.
passports
NEED FOR CUT-OFF DATE FOR APPLICATIONS
20.
UK Memorandum provides that new status can only be acquired by
those who have obtained a British passport before 1 July 1997 (with
exception of those born after 1 January 1997). Administratively
necesary to set cut-off date for applications to allow time for
processing them and issuing passports. (Those who do not hold BDTC passports will have to demonstrate eligibility).
already
CONFIDENTIAL