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Hong Kong identity card which states his right of abode in Hong Kong" has been agreed on this basis.
Hong Kong will produce the new permanent identity cards in time for 1 July 1987.
Acceptance of the BN(0) Passport by Third Countries
The international acceptability of BN (0) passports has been one of the major Hong Kong concerns. Within this concern lie 2 issues: the securing of the same rights for BN (0)s as for BDTCs (HK) and having a passport which shows right of abode in, and therefore returnability to, Hong Kong so that the holder has no problems at immigration controls. Foreign and Commonwealth Office will take the lead in the presentation of the new status and the passport to third countries once the Order has been made in 1986 and before the issue of passports in 1987. Already however, the United States through Vice-President Bush have announced that the US will accept BN (0) passports and the EC Parliament has passed a helpful resolution encouraging member states to abolish visa requirements for BDTC passport holders visiting their countries. Additionally, informal discussion with the consulates of a number of nations suggests that there will be no difficulty in their accepting the BN (0) status so long as they are satisfied as to the passport holder's returnability to Hong Kong. The formula which has been agreed with the Chinese makes quite clear that this is the case and we anticipate therefore few problems.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office will be endeavouring to secure the same visa abolition agreements (official and unofficial) as currently apply to BDTCs (Hong Kong). At present there are 13 countries where these apply: Denmark, Iceland, Monaco, San Marino, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Norway, Luxembourg, Portugal and Sweden.
Price of the Passport
While there will be no fee for registration there will be a fee for the passport issued. The Home Secretary will be responsible for determining this fee under the Consular Fees Act 1980. A review of all passport fees is required next year in any case and a submission will be coming forward.