TNAG-1387-FCO40-1835-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1986 — Page 110

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DRAFT SPEECH BY HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, CBE, JP LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - 4.12.85

The White Paper on the Draft Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986

DAVID CRAN S

Sir,

I wish to express concern that when the new BN (0) passport is issued as from 1 July 1987, valid for 10 years until 30 June 1997, it may not have the same acceptance as the BDTC

type of passport.

I presume that it is intended by the British Government that a person who holds a BN(0) passport after 1 July 1987 will retain his BDTC status until 30 June 1997, unless he renounces it or is deprived (presumably for valid reasons) of that status. before that date.

We in Hong Kong are naturally very concerned as to whether the British Government will make every effort to continuously ensure that the BN(0) passport will be given equal status and recognition by Commonwealth and other countries and territories as are currently given to BDTC passports held by Hong Kong people.

Another point on which I would seek assurance is that if after issuance of a BN(0) passport, the holder is dissatisfied with the acceptability of that passport, he should have the right to change back his BN (0) passport for a BDTC passport, with expiry date as of June 30, 1997.

If the

Also to be clarified is whether the validity of a BN(0) passport issued say in 1990 will be for 10 years after date of issuance or whether it would be only up to 30 June 1997. validity date is beyond 1997, would the holder still be required to register for BN (0) status before June 30, 1997?

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