TNAG-1406-FCO40-1881-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 65

effectively register applicants in that status. Hong Kong would

maintain the comprehensive register of BN (0)s.

4. However, there is a complication. Hong Kong are insistent that

all passports should be endorsed to show right of abode in Hong

Kong. This is important for the international acceptance of the

passport since the holders could face trouble at ports without the

indication of returnability to Hong Kong. The endorsement can be

made only if the applicant is in possession of an identity card

issued in Hong Kong and while the act of registration in BN (0)

status can be achieved without endorsing the passport we would not

normally release the passport until the applicant, or we on his

behalf, had obtained the identity card from Hong Kong. If there is

an urgent need to travel we could issue in the meantime a restricted

validity passport showing BDTC status.

5. The nature of the right of abode endorsement is subject to

further discussion with the Chinese to achieve some neutral form of

words which does not suggest that the former colonial power is conferring this right in passports which will be valid after 30 June 1997. It will involve also amendment to Hong Kong Immigration

Ordinances and the issue of new identity documents, again in a style

which will be acceptable to the Chinese beyond 1997.

1

Passport Format

6. The format of the British passport is to be changed as a consequence of the decision to give a common format to the national