DEC 06 85 14:32 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT
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has given rise to considerable doubts about its
usefulness is the fact that it will not carry a
direct 'holder has the right of abode in Hong Kong'
endorsement, as does the existing BDTC passport. The
reason is that as from 1 July 1997, Britain will
cease to have sovereignty and jurisdiction over Hong
Kong. From that date it would not be appropriate for
her Majesty's Government to state who has the right
of abode in Hong Kong. The right of abode
endorsement in BN (O) passports will have to be
consistent with the constitutional arrangements
agreed in the Joint Declaration if it is to be
acceptable after 1997. Members will have seen that
Baroness Young, Minister of State at the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, said in reply to a parliamentary
question in the House of Lords yesterday, that the
Chinese side at the recent meeting of the Joint
Liaison Group agreed in principle that the wording of
the endorsement should be as follows: 'The holder of
this passport has Hong Kong permanent identity card
No. (xyz) which states that the holder has the right
of abode in Hong Kong'. By these words, it will be
quite clear that the holder has the right of abode in
Hong Kong, and that it is his identity card which
specifies his right of abode, not Her Majesty's
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