Issuing Policy
The detail has yet to be confirmed and work on preparing application forms and explanatory leaflets is underway. The essentials of the policy will however be:
a) full 10 year validity BN (0) passports ie, valid beyond 1 July 1997 for those who opt for them. Where people opt for BDTC (HK) passports these will be restricted to 30 June 1997 at which point the status lapses; and
b) people may not hold BN(0) and BDTC (HK) passports at the same time, in order to prevent abuse of passports.
Holding both BN (0)s and SAR passports
We have no objection.
The terms of the Agreement with the Chinese permit it and we have confirmed with the Chinese Government that they will permit it.
Right of abode
(i)
Need to carry an identity card and BN (0) passport to show right of abode in Hong Kong
No need. Agreement has been reached with the Chinese that passports will be endorsed. 'Holder has a permanent Hong Kong identity card which states his right of abode in Hong Kong.'
(ii) Reason for this convoluted form
The aim is to issue BN (0) passports which will be recognised before and after July 1997. Since the United Kingdom has no sovereignty over Hong Kong beyond June 1997 it would not be appropriate for us to state who had right of abode in the Hong Kong SAR. The terms of the Joint Declaration provide that holders of permanent identity cards of the Hong Kong SAR may have this fact stated in their travel documents as evidence of their right of abode. in Hong Kong. The form of endorsement which we have agreed with the Chinese is based on this. We are confident that it leaves no doubt as to the passport holder's right of abode.
(iii) Immigration Officers suspicion/confusion as to meaning
No reason to believe that there will be any problem. It is intended to explain fully to third countries the significance of the endorsement.
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