Holding both BN(0)s and SAR passports
4. We have no objection. The terms of the Agreement with the Chinese
permit it and we have confirmed with the Chinese Government that they
will permit it.
Right of Abode
5. (i) Need to carry an identity card and BN (0) passport to show
right of abode in Hong Kong.
No need.
Agreement has been reached with the Chinese that passports
will be endorsed. "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."
(ii) Reason for this convoluted form
The aim is to issue BN (0) passports which will be recognised before and
after July 1997. Since the United Kingdom has no sovereignty over Hong Kong beyond June 1997 it would not be appropriate for us to state who had right of abode in Hong Kong SAR. The terms of the Joint Declaration provide that holders of permanent identity cards of the Hong Kong SAR may have this fact stated in their travel documents as evidence of their right of abode in Hong Kong. The form of endorsement
We are which we have agreed with the Chinese is based on this. confident that it leaves no doubt as to the passport holder's right of
abode.
(iii) Immigration Officers suspicion/confusion as to meaning
It is intended No reason to believe that there will be any problem. to explain fully to third countries the significance of the endorsement
Charge for BN (0) passport
6. 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).
D3.3