Charge for BN (0) passport
While there will be no fee for registering as a BN (0) there will be a fee for the passport. The passport fee will be the standard one fixed under the Consular Fees Act 1980 (by the Home Secretary).
Acceptance of BN (0) passports by third countries
It is appreciated that this has been one of the major concerns in Hong Kong and of the House. There are two issues: ensuring that BN(0) status is understood by third countries so that the same rights enjoyed by BDTC (HK) are allowed to BN (0)s, and issuing a passport which reassures other countries of the holder's returnability to Hong Kong.
The Government intend to explain the BN (0) passport and to seek the same rights for BN (0)s as for BDTCs (HK) in the period between the making of the Order in Council in 1986 and the issuing of passports in 1987. Informal discussions which have already taken place are encouraging. Particularly the House may have noted a statement by Vice President Bush that the US would accept BN (0) passports and a helpful resolution passed by the EC Parliament.
Current visa requirements for BDTCs (HK)
Under official and unofficial agreements BDTCs (HK) can enter the following countries without visas. France, Belgium, the
Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Monaco, San Marino.
Entry of BN (0)s to the UK
BN(0)s will be subject to immigration control in the same way as BDTCS.