TNAG-1387-FCO40-1835-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1986 — Page 202

CONVIDENTIAL

HONG KONG NATIONALITY WHITE PAPER

ARGUMENTS FOR AMENDMENT

9.

COMPARISONS BETWEEN BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS UNDER

THE ORDER AND UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981

Argument

1.

The draft Order imples some distinction in status between

British Overseas Citizens created by the draft Hong Kong Order and

the same citizenship under the British Nationality Act 1981.

Otherwise there wold not be a specific reference to a BOC under the

Order in Article 7(8).

Government Proposals

2.

Article 7(8) makes it clear that a British Overseas citizen

created by the draft Order is the same as a British Overseas citizen

created under the British Nationality Act 1981.

Line to Take

3.

There is no distinction between BOCs, whether under the

1981 Act or under this Order. The reference is there for

convenience to make sure there is no mis-understanding.

Scope for amendment

4.

Accept. The reference may be dropped without harm, if

Parliament so wishes.