14
We intend to issue these passports from 1 July 1987. Those who
then hold valid BDTC passports will be able, if they wish
to retain them. But from 1 July 1987 Hong Kong BDTCs will
have a choice between applying for a BDTC passport with
a restricted validity until 30 June 1997 or for a BN (0)
passport valid for a full ten years. It will not be possible
to carry both a BN(0) and a BDTC passport.
Work has to be done in preparing application forms and explanatory
leaflets, and a number of detailed points still need to be
resolved. While the great bulk of passport issuing will
clearly be dealt with in Hong Kong it will be possible to
obtain BN (0) passports from Passport Offices in the
United Kingdom and from consular posts overseas. We hope
this will help those who want to apply for a passport
wherever they may be at the time. The fee will be set
under the Consular Fees Act 1980 and, save for exchange
variations, it will be the same throughout the world.
The fee is for the passport just as all of us have to pay
for our passports. It is not a fee for citizenship.
Passports issued to BDTCs in Hong Kong are currently issued
by the Governor in the name of Her Majesty. It would be
inappropriate for passports issued to BN (0)s which will
remain valid beyond 30 June 1997 to be issued by the
Governor, BN(0) passports will therefore be issued from
the start by "Her Britannic Majesty's Secretary of State"
as they are at present in the UK and at consular posts
This requires a change in format.
overseas.
/Initially