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inconvenience.
This would not be conducive to a smooth
transition.
To avoid such problems, the British side considers that it is important that the two sides deal with this matter in the Joint Liaison Group in good time. To
facilitate discussion, we would like to hand over a paper proposing types of the HKSAR passport/travel documents and eligibility criteria for them.
4.
In accordance with the principle of maintaining the present system as far as possible, the British side
proposes that apart from necessary changes, the future
HKSAR passport and travel documents should broadly
replicate the existing travel documents issued by the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Government. As
from 1 July 1997, there should be the HKSAR passport and
travel documents similar to the existing Hong Kong
Certificate of Identity, Hong Kong Document of Identity for
Visa Purposes, Hong Kong Re-entry
Re-entry Permit and Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book respectively. The titles suggested
for these documents are for reference only. Proposals
regarding eligibility criteria, re-admission to the HKSAR and validity are in the Annexes to the paper.
5.
We also propose that the Immigration Department of
the HKSAR Government be authorised to
to issue the proposed
HKSAR passport and travel documents and that before it comes into being on 1 July 1997, the Immigration Department
of the Hong Kong
Kong Government should make the necessary
preparations to enable the former to issue the HKSAR
passport and travel documents immediately from 1 July
1997. We will also need to consult the Chinese side about
the design and format of each of the proposed HKSAR passport and travel documents at a later stage, and intend
to make proposals about this in due course.