PHASED PROGRAMME FOR REGISTRATION AS BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) BN (0) S
Why is it necessary to have a phased programme ?
Essential that all BDTCS who want them should be guaranteed BN (0) passports before the power to issue them ceases on 1 July 1997. Phased programme is the tool which will ensure that the Hong Kong Government is able to process all applications and issue passports in time.
How will it operate?
- The Hong Kong British Nationality (Amendment) Order 1993 which was approved on 13 July prescribes cut-off dates, by age group, for the acquisition of BN (0) status. Understand this is a mechanism similar to that used previously in Hong Kong for the issue of identity cards.
Will this not infringe the right of Hong Kong BDTCs to retain
BDTC status until 30 June 1997?
Aware of misgivings in Hong Kong about having to give up familiar BDTC passports on registration as BN (O). There is of course no question of losing BDTC status before 30 June 1997.
But in recognition of the concern in Hong Kong the Home Secretary announced on 9 June his agreement to allow BDTCs to retain their current passports in addition to acquiring BN (0) passports if they wished to do so.
Will applicants for BN(0) passports automatically retain BDTC
passports?
No, they should indicate their wish to keep the passports.
brief.legco.BB
SLM