5.
6
We estimate that some 3.3 million Hong Kong
BDTCs are or will be eligible for BN (0) status before
So far, only about 0.3 million of
1 July 1997(1),
them have obtained BN (0) passports. By contrast, there
are some 1.7 million BDTC passports in circulation.
these, one million are due to expire in 1996/97. Most
of their holders will not seek renewal before then
unless obliged to do so.
of
6.
One reason for the slow rate of uptake may be
that people are unaware that нKBDTC passports will
cease to be valid in 1997. Another reason is that,
when BN (0) passports were first introduced, some
countries which accepted BDTC passports were unfamiliar
with the new documents. Some Hong Kong travellers
experienced difficulties and their problems received a
lot of press attention. As a result, many people still
believe that BN (0) passports are inferior' to BDTC
ones. This perception is unfounded : of the 74-plus
territories/countries which accept BDTCS without visas,
only Austria and Mauritius do not extend that privilege
Nevertheless, the perception persists.
Lo BN (0)s.
Note (1):
This figure includes 1.7 million BDTC
passport holders and 1.6 million
non-passport holders, They are all
potential registrants in the phased
registration programme.