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9.
LegCo's main concerns are:
the phased programme would remove the right of BDTCs to be registered as BN (0)s at any time before 1 July 1997; the programme is arbitrary and unfair since it would give more time for some BDTCs to exercise their right to be registered as BN (0)s and less to others (the answer to this is that the right can only be realised if the programme is implemented).
some BDTCs do not wish to apply for BN (0) passports early, they would prefer the status quo until the last moment eg in case there is a change in British nationality policy.
(The Home Office say there will be no such change).
questions about the system for deciding on applications received after the relevant cut-off dates. (The Governor offered to institute an appeal panel which would include two legislative councillors, but LegCo have not shown much interest).
SPLIT FAMILIES
10. These are the around 150 families where British citizen parents are unable to transmit citizenship to children born in Hong Kong before 1/1/1983 - but can do so to children born after that date- due to provisions of the British Nationality Act 1981. The Home Secretary agreed last September to look "generously and speedily" at applications from families in this anomalous position.
BRITISH CITIZENSHIP FOR WIVES AND WIDOWS OF EX-SERVICEMEN
11. During the second reading of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990, the Home Secretary gave an assurance that the spouses of any British citizens who had died and who had been resident in Hong Kong would be allowed to come to the United Kingdom to settle and to apply for British citizenship in the normal way. The assurance was extended to the wives and widows of those servicemen who served in the defence of Hong Kong during the Second World War, irrespective of the husbands' nationality (but provided they had remained resident in Hong Kong). This group numbers under 60 and their case for British citizenship without needing to fulfil residence requirements in full has attracted considerable sympathy in Hong Kong.
12.
At the Hong Kong Government's request we have asked the Home Office to examine what scope there might be under the British Nationality Act 1981 to grant citizenship to the ladies in question without the necessity of a long stay in the
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