E.R.
of the endorsement should be as follows:
"The holder of this passport has Hong Kong permanent
identify card number (the number will be entered) which
states that the holder has the right of abode in Hong Kong".
We expect to reach final agreement on this at the next meeting
of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group in March.
The Government is confident that BN(0)s will not need their identity
cards when they travel, since the agreed wording is clear and unambiguous, and third countries should be satisfied by the clear endorsement that BN (O)s may return to Hong Kong. Once the Order is in place we intend to explain the significance of the passport around the world. Your Lordships may know that we have already had encouraging responses to informal approaches from the
United States, Australia and the European Parliament.
We believe that this is likely to be the best way of ensuring the
acceptability of the BN (0) passport in third countries. We are
studying the proposal by the Legislative Council that BN(0)
passports should be endorsed to the effect that the holder did not
need entry clearance to visit the United Kingdom. It is a fact
that entry clearance for temporary visitors is not a requirement;
it is available to those who want to be assured of their entry
into this country. We must ensure that any proposed endorsement
does not lead people wrongly to believe that they are not subject
to the Immigration Rules. Visitors coming here must satisfy the
immigration officer that they qualify for admission under the Rules
We are, however, considering how best to meet the concerns of the
Legislative Council in this matter.
/CONCLUSION