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BN(O) applications for 1987 and 1991 born close soon
The final date for Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens (BDTCs) born between 1987 and 1991 to apply for British National (Overseas) BN(O) passports will be next Monday (September 30), government spokesperson reminded the public today (Tuesday).
Hong Kong BDTCs (such as persons born, naturalised or registered in Hong Kong) must obtain a BN(O) passport if they wish to continue to travel on British passports beyond 1997.
As specified in the second schedule to the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986, applications for BN(O) passports must be submitted on or before the final dates relevant to their age groups.
Parents or legal guardians of eligible children born between 1987 and 1991 must submit their applications on or before September 30. They should apply for a Hong Kong permanent identity card on behalf of the children at the same time.
Further publicity will be made in respect of BDTCs born in other years (that is between 1992 and June 30, 1997) so that they may submit their applications by phases according to their age groups. They are of course free to submit their applications
now.
Persons who do not comply with the relevant cut-off dates will not be able to travel on British passports beyond 1997. An application made after the final date will only be accepted if the applicant can show that there are special circumstances which justify his late application.
A BN(O) Late Registration Appeals Advisory Committee has been established to advise the Governor on those late applications which have been rejected by the Immigration Department.
The spokesperson emphasised that those who already had a BN(O) passport. either the conventional hard-cover type or the burgundy red machine readable type, need not apply again.
Applications for BN(O) passports may be submitted to the Immigration Department either by post or in person. Applicants may also deposit their applications into the drop-in boxes installed at the Immigration Headquarters or at any immigration branch offices through the territory. Application forms are available at all immigration offices and district offices.