XN000022-1995-11-08 — Page 100

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Applications for naturalisation as BDTCs

Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday);

Question:

As recent reports about the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport have aroused public concern over the future freedom to enter or leave the territory. will the Government inform this Council:

..!

(a) of the number of people who have submitted applications for naturalisation as British Dependent Territories citizens in the past three years;

(b) whether there has been a noticeable increase in the number of such applications recently; if so, what the reasons are; and;

(c) whether any channel for appeal will be provided for applicants who miss the deadline for application in March next year?

Reply:

Mr President,

1.

(a) The number of applications for naturalisation/ `registration as British Dependent Territories citizens in the past 3 years are as follows -

Year

No. of applications

1992:

5.207

1993

17.391

1994

17,803

1995 (Jan - Sept)

19,834

(b) The number of applications for naturalisation/registration as BDTCs in the first 3 quarters of 1995 are as follows:

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