Line to Take
6.
Hong Kong BDTC passports are no longer valid after 30 June 1997; the Joint Declaration and Basic Law allowed BN(0) passports to be used as travel documents from 1 July 1997 instead. We don't know how many people will take up BN (0) passports, but we wish to avoid a last minute rush. To do this we must spread out the possible workload.
7
We have, therefore, had to bring in a phased programme, similar to that with new ID cards, but the big difference is that this is optional. Subject to the passing of an Order in Council in Parliament in the near future, we will begin the first phase later in the Summer. Only very good reasons for not applying at the right time will be accepted; waiting to decide later is not one.
8.
This is merely a necessary operational measure, resulting from forethought and the need to avoid unnecessary problems in 1997.
TOTAL P.18