questions.NAT
JEB
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 laid before Parliament on 10 June [and which was
presented in committee for approval on 13 July] prescribes cut-off dates, by age group, for the acquisition of BN (0)
status. This is a familiar mechanism in Hong Kong (previously
used for the orderly issue of identity cards).
Will this not infringe the right of Hong Kong BDTCs to hold on
to their BDTC passports until 30 June 1997?
-
Aware of misgivings in Hong Kong about having to give up
BDTC passports for passports on registration as BN (0). Think these are misplaced. No question of BN (0) being a 'second class' nationality status and in any case BN (0) passport holders
retain BDTC status until 30 June 1997. But we recognise the
concern in Hong Kong and the Home Secretary announced on 9 June his agreement to allow BDTCS to retain their current passports in addition to acquiring BN (0) passports.
What will happen to applicants who miss the deadline?
All late applications for BN (0) passports will initially be
tic