HONG KONG NATIONALITY WHITE PAPER
BRIEFING NOTES
2.
BN(0)s IMMIGRATION & RIGHT OF ABODE
1. COMPARISON BETWEEN BN(0) AND BDTC STATUS
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The benefits accorded to BN (0)s are broadly the same as those enjoyed by BDTCs, except for transmissibility. BN(0)s will be entitled to registration as British citizens under section 4 of the BNA 1981 if they fulfil the UK residence requirement; and they will be Commonwealth citizens.
[If pressed]
Descendants of BDTCS may acquire BDTC status by registration in certain circumstances. BN(0) status may not be acquired after 1997.
2. COMPARISON BETWEEN BN(0) AND BOC STATUS
It is not intended that there should be any major differences under UK law between holders of BN(0) status and the existing BOC status. But the status of BN(0) identifies a person as a former Hong Kong BDTC; and BN(0)s will
have the right of abode in Hong Kong, both before and after 1997.
[If pressed]
Descendants of BOCs may acquire BOC status by registration in certain
circumstances. BN(0) status may not be acquired after 1997.
3. RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG
Section XIV of Annex 1 to the Joint Declaration sets out all those who will
have a right of abode after 1997. Broadly, the list includes all Chinese
nationals born in Hong Kong or ordinarily resident there for at least 7 years and their children of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong; all other persons ordinarily resident there for 7 years or more who have taken Hong
Kong as their place of permanent residence before or after the establishment
of the special administrative region, together with their children under 21
years of age who were born in Hong Kong before 1997; and any other persons
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