TNAG-1361-FCO40-1807-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 268

2

Nevertheless, BDTC passports do ensure their holders

'the right of abode in Hong Kong', and this endorsement appears

But we are given to understand that the

in current passports.

right of abode may not be stated in BNO passports. would this not make the holders stateless?

In theory,

Furthermore, would such an omission create a situation of uncertainty each time the holder presents his passport to immigration officers anywhere, and especially in third countries? Could the holder be denied entry because there are no apparent answers to the potential questions of repatriation and deportation? Are there in fact answers to the questions of potential repatriation and deportation?

I wish to point out that it is stated in Section 14 of

Annex I to the Joint Declaration that

"For the purpose of travelling to and from the

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, residents of the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region may use travel documents issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, or by other competent authorities of the People's Republic of China, or of other states. Holders of permanent identity cards of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may have this fact stated in their travel documents as evidence that the holders have the right of abode in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"1

This clearly shows that it can be stated in the BNO passport that the holder has a permanent identity card of the HK SAR which gives him the right of abode.

I think it should also be feasible for the future HK SAR Government to make an endorsement on the BNO or BOC