PELURTEA BRANCH
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"BDTCs who wish to apply for 8N(0) passports would
be called forward by age groups over the next four years to lodge their applications,
he said.
Dr. Vickers emphasized that the acquisition of the
BNIO status would be absolutely voluntary. Only those who
wish to continue to travel on a British passport beyond
1997 and do not already have a BN(O) passport would need to
apply. Those who have already got a BN(0) passport would
not need to apply again.
The programme would require an amendment by
Order-in-Council to the United Kingdom's Hong Kong (British
Nationality) Order 1986.
The Order put before the British Parliament for
approval would contain provisions for accepting
applications from people who are prevented from applying on
time by special circumstances.
But Dr. Vickers said that
wanting more time to consider would not be regarded as a
valid reason covered by this provision.
If Parliament approves the proposals, the first
slot would be from July to October and would cover BDTCs