12.
ACCEPTANCE OF BN (0) PASSPORTS BY THIRD COUNTRIES
There are
This has been a major concern in Hong Kong and in the House.
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 RN (0) passport and to seek the same
rights for BN (0)s as for BDTCs (HK) in the period between the making of the Order in Council in 1986 and the issuing of passports in 1987.
The endorsement agreed with the Chinese is a clear statement of a BN(0)s
right of abode in and their returnability to Hong Kong. And the
endorsement covering BN (0) visitors to the United Kingdom is a clear
indication that we welcome visitors from Hong Kong. We are confident
that the BN (0) passport will be acceptable to third countries. Informal
discussions which have already taken place are encouraging. And UMELCO
have expressed the view that the endorsement as to visitors will greatly
help the acceptance of the passport.
13.
CURRENT VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR BDTCs (HK)
Under visa abolition agreements BDTCs (HK) can enter the following
countries without visas: France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark,
Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Monaco, San Marino.
Between 60 and 70 other countries allow BDTCs to enter without visas.
14.
ENTRY OF BN(0)s TO THE UK
15.
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
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.
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