E.K.
My Lords, I would like to say a few words now, if I may, about
the proposed arrangements for issuing BN(0) passports once the
Order comes into effect. Although not strictly part of the
draft Order, I know that a number of your Lordships are concerned
with this matter which is closely linked to the Order and is of
central importance to its successful implementation.
The Government intend to issue BN(0) passports from 1 July 1987.
This will enable Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens
to choose between applying for a British Dependent Territories
Citizen passport with a restricted validity until 1 July 1997, or
a BN(0) passport valid for a full ten years. It will not be
possible to carry both a BN(0) and a British Dependent Territories
Citizen passport at the same time.
The great majority of BN(0) passports will be issued in Hong Kong.
But it will be possible for Hong Kong British Dependent
Territories citizens to apply for a BN(0) passport wherever they
may be.
There will be a fee for the passport, which will be the
same throughout the world.
[ Initially the passport is likely to be in the same format as at
present. But as your Lordships will be aware, the format of
British passports will in due course change to an EC common
format one which is machine readable, and the BN(0) passport
will follow suit. ]
BN(0) passports will contain an endorsement as to the holder's right
of abode in Hong Kong. I know that this has been a matter of
particular concern to your Lordships. As the House already
knows, the Chinese have agreed in principle that the wording
/of the endorsement....