Acceptance of BN(0) passports by third countries
7.
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 BTDCs (HK) in the period between the making of the Order in Council in 1986 and the issuing of passports in 1987.
The endorsement agreed in principle with the Chinese is a clear
statement of a BN (0)s right of abode in and their returnability to
Hong Kong. We are confident that it will be acceptable to third
countries. 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; and there has been a
helpful response from the Australian government.
Current visa requirements for BDTCs (HK)
8. Under visa abolition
agreements BDTCs (HK) can enter the
following cutries without visas:
France, Belgium, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Iceland,
Italy, Denmark, Luxembourg,
Monaco, San Marino. Between a further 60 and 70 countries allow
BDTCs to enter without visas.
Entry of BN (0)s to the UK
9. BN(0)s will be subject to immigration control in the same way as
BDTCS.
REPORTING ON APPROACHES TO THIRD COUNTRIES ON BN(0) PASSPORTS
10.
While it would be wrong for us to reveal in advance the approach
we will be adopting with particular countries I quite accept the
importance the House and Hong Kong opinion attach to being kept informed
of our progress in this campaign of explanation. The Government will
therefore provide reports from time to time on the countries that have
been approached and their responses.
D3.4