3
Mrs. Pauline NG said that to facilitate travelling, people of Hong Kong should be allowed to have two travel documents (i.e. both the BN (0) and SAR passports). She said that because of the approach of the 1997, C.I. holders would be faced with increasing difficulties and inconvenience when they travelled abroad. In this connection, she hoped that the Governments concerned would consider to issue SAR passports to C.I. holders prior to 1997. Regarding those non-Chinese nationals, she thought that the grant of BOC status could not solve the problem in the long-term. She felt that those people should be allowed to acquire Chinese
She added nationality by naturalisation and be issued with SAR passports. that as the new BN (0) must be acquired before 1 July 1997, the Government should widely publicise the cut-off date for the information of the public.
15.
Mr. LEE Man-kwong felt that the new BN (0) status did not confer the holder the status of British nationality as it was clearly stated that holders were not entitled to the right of abode in the United Kingdom. He said that to his knowledge, the issue of the new BN (0) passports w.e.f. 1987 would be coupled with the issue of new Hong Kong identity cards which would confer the holder the right of abode in Hong Kong. As the validity of the new Hong Kong identity card would expire in 1997, he would like to know what arrangement would be made to ensure the validity of the BN (O) travel document after 1997, pending issue of new identity card by the HKSAR Government.
16.
Mr. Albert LI shared the concern expressed by Mr. LEE Man-kwong. He doubted whether the Chinese people would be allowed to possess both the BN(0) and HK (SAR) passports after 1997. He would also like to know what were the rights and obligations of being a BN (0) passport holder.
17.
Referring to the comments made by members, Mrs: Carrie LAM said that she agreed with Mrs. Pauline NG that there should be wide publicity on deadline for acquiring the BN (0) status. She said that the Hong Kong Government was also very concerned about the problems facing the C.I. holders due to the change over to HK (SAR) passport and this would be discussed between the British and Chinese Governments. Regarding the new status of BN(0),
Mrs. LAM clarified that BN (0) was a new British National status and it was not merely a travel document. She said that holders of BN(0) travelling abroad would be entitled to British consular protection. Subject to the fulfillment of the eligibility criteria, a BN(0) could also apply for regis- tration as a British Citizen. Referring to the question whether Hong Kong
not people could have both BN (0) and SAR passports, she said that it was explicitly stated in the Joint Declaration and it would be a matter for consideration by the Chinese Government. She further explained that the issue of new identity card in 1987 was to tie in with the issue of new BN (0) passports. As the new identity cards to be issued by the Hong Kong Government would be valid only up to mid-1997, it would be a matter for discussion with the Chinese Government on how to arrange a smooth change over to the HKSAR identity cards to ensure that people could continue to travel freely without disruption during the transitional period. Also in reply to Mr. YEUNG Shui-yiu's enquiry, Mrs. Carrie LAM said that a passport usually had a validity period of 10 years and upon expiry after 1997, they could be renewed and replaced. at British Consultate Office in the HKSAR or elsewhere.