- 71 -
Month
in 1995
No. of Applications
Increase/ decrease over
same period in 1994
1st Quarter
4,150
-52%
2nd Quarter
6,050
+77%
3rd Quarter
9,634
+31%
19,834
The figure of 19,834 represents a 29% increase over the corresponding period (January-September) in 1994.
We do not maintain statistics on the reasons for application, as applications for naturalisation and registration as Hong Kong BDTCs are entirely voluntary. It is possible that the increase might be related to the deadline of 31 March 1996 for naturalisation/registration.
(c) Section 42 of the British Nationality Act 1981 as amended by the Hong Kong (British Nationality) (Amendment) Order 1993 stipulates -
"A person who applies for registration or naturalisation as a British Dependent Territories citizen under any provision of this Act by virtue (wholly or partly) of his having a connection with Hong Kong, may not be naturalised or registered, as the case may be, unless he makes his application on or before 31 March 1996."
There is no provision under the Act to accept applications after 31 March 1996.. Nor is there any provision under the Act for appeals by late applicants.
End/Wednesday, November 8, 1995