CONVIDENTIAL
HONG KONG NATIONALITY WHITE PAPER
ARGUMENTS FOR AMENDMENT
9.
COMPARISONS BETWEEN BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS UNDER
THE ORDER AND UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981
Argument
1.
The draft Order imples some distinction in status between
British Overseas Citizens created by the draft Hong Kong Order and
the same citizenship under the British Nationality Act 1981.
Otherwise there wold not be a specific reference to a BOC under the
Order in Article 7(8).
Government Proposals
2.
Article 7(8) makes it clear that a British Overseas citizen
created by the draft Order is the same as a British Overseas citizen
created under the British Nationality Act 1981.
Line to Take
3.
There is no distinction between BOCs, whether under the
1981 Act or under this Order. The reference is there for
convenience to make sure there is no mis-understanding.
Scope for amendment
4.
Accept. The reference may be dropped without harm, if
Parliament so wishes.