CONFIDENTIAL
AMENDMENTS
I should now like to deal with the amendments proposed to
paragraph two of the schedule. [See notes on amendments to be provided].
I should also like to take up the other important points
made by Speakers during the debate.
[ FOR USE AS NECESSARY]
STATELESSNESS
Statelessness is clearly a question of major concern
noble Lords.
The Government have clearly stated their intention in this
area. It is our intention that no former Hong Kong BDTC,
nor any child born on or after 1 July 1997 to such a person, should be made stateless as a result of the arrangements envisaged in the Bill. All former Hong Kong BDTCs will be able to acquire BN (O) status if they wish
before 1 July 1997. If they do this, they will retain that
status for the rest of their lives. Any BDTCs who do not
acquire BN(O) status and would otherwise be stateless - for example, if they are not Chinese nationals and hold no other nationality will become British Overseas Citizens
on 1 July 1997. The children born on or after 1 July 1997
to former Hong Kong BDTCs who are Chinese nationals will,
of course, have Chinese nationality. Children born to
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CONFIDNETIAL
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