18 -
BN(O) application for 1982-1986 born citizens to close soon
The final date for Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens (BDTCs) born between 1982 and 1986 to apply for British National (Overseas) (BN(0)) passports will be this Saturday (June 29), a government spokesperson reminded the public today (Thursday).
Hong Kong BDTCs (such as persons born, naturalised or registered in the territory) 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 1982 and 1986 must submit their applications on or before June 29. 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 1987 and June 30, 1997) so that they may submit their applications by phases according to their age groups. They are 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 at the Immigration Headquarters or at any immigration branch offices throughout the territory. Application forms are available at all immigration offices and district offices. Hong Kong BDTCs living, working or studying abroad, are also required to observe the cut-off dates if they want to apply for a BN(O) passport. However, they are not required to return to Hong Kong for their applications.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.