E.R.
4.
Hong Kong BDTC status will cease in July 1997 but under
Chinese law most Hong Kong residents will continue to be
Chinese nationals. There are also arrangements whereby Hong
Kong BDTCS may apply before July 1997 to become British
Nationals (Overseas) (BN(0)) and this status will continue
after 1997. BDTCs who do not become BN (0)s and who would
otherwise be stateless will then automatically become British
Overseas Citizens (BOC). Neither BN (0) or BOC status confers
right of abode in the United Kingdom.
Status under Community law
5. Since 1 January 1983, when the British Nationality Act 1981
came into effect, a person is generally speaking regarded as
a "national" of the United Kingdom for the purposes of Community law only if he is a British citizen. As already explained, British citizenship
citizenship is entirely distinct from
British Dependent Territories Citizenship, British Nationality
(Overseas) status and British Overseas Citizenship. Any
British citizen, however that citizenship is obtained
is
entitled to be regarded as a "national" of the United Kingdom
for the purposes of the Treaties or Community instruments.
A person who is not a British citizen but holds another form
of British nationality by virtue of a connection with Hong
Kong is not so entitled.
Passport issuing arrangements
6.
At present all immigration, nationality and passport work in
Hong Kong on behalf of both the UK and the Hong Kong
Governments is undertaken by the Hong Kong Immigration
Department. This arrangement will continue until 1997 except
that an office will be established in Hong Kong to act on
behalf of the Home Secretary in operating the special arrangements described below. In 1997 a British Consulate General will be established in Hong Kong to represent British
interests there and its responsibilities will include renewal of all forms of British passports. Such passports may also be renewed at any other British consulate, or by the Passport
Office in London. But the British authorities will, of