5
7
7.
Thus, there is a serious risk of a
last-minute rush as 1997 draws nearer. Unless we take
steps to encourage an orderly flow of applications, it
is likely that last-minute demand could exceed our
processing capacity(2). If that happens, significant
numbers may remain unprocessed on 1 July 1997, Many
people would then be unable to secure BN (0) passports.
Government would be severely criticized.
8.
There is a similar risk in respect of
naturalization.
Under the British Nationality Act
1981, anyone who has ordinarily resided here for five
years (three if married to an HKBDTC) and is not
subject to a limit of stay, may apply for
naturalization as a BUTC.
eligible to become BN (0)s.
Successful applicants are
There is no provision for
Therefore,
imposing time limits on such applications,
in theory, eligible persons may apply for
naturalisation up to 30 June 1997.
Naturalization
normally takes 18 months and we need time on top of
that to process passport applications from new BDTCS.
Note (2) :
At present, we can process about 1,000
applications a day. We are developing
ways to expedite this. But even
substantial shortening will not enable
us to cope if all one million applicants
wait until 1996/97.
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