to
It has been agreed between the British and Chinese
Governments that all permanent identity cards referred
in this endorsement issued by the Hong Kong Government up
to 30 June 1997 will continue to be used after that date
until replaced by permanent identity cards issued by the
Special Administrative Region Government and that such
replacements will bear the same number. There may be a
small number of individuals
very
who, by virtue of the
terms of Section XIV of Annex I to the Joint Declaration,
will lose the right of abode in Hong Kong after 30 June
1997. The provisions of the Joint Declaration ensure,
however, that this will only affect individuals who have
the right of abode (and hence are returnable) elsewhere.
Persons who are British Dependent Territories citizens
by virtue of a connection with Hong Kong will retain that
status until 30 June 1997 whether or not they apply for
British National (Overseas) status. Passports currently
held by such British Dependent Territories citizens will
remain fully valid until their date of expiry unless
cancelled upon the issue of a passport showing the status
of British National (Overseas). Any such persons who
British National
choose not to apply for the status of
(Overseas) will continue to be issued with passports
showing their status as British Dependent Territories
citizens, but these passports will have a maximum validity
to 30 June 1997.
Copies of the Hong Kong Act 1985 and the Hong Kong
(British Nationality) Order 1986 are available if required
from Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 49 High Holborn,
London WC1V 6HB.
The Secretary of State would be grateful if the
information contained in this Note could be brought to the
attention of the appropriate authorities in the countries
to whose Missions this Note is addressed.