TNAG-1413-FCO40-1889-Future-of-Hong-Kong-annual-report-to-Parliament-on-Hong-Kong-1985 — Page 176

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Council was published on (Cmndễ 9637). The draft Order provides for British Dependent Territories citzens by virtue of a connection with Hong Kong to lose

that status on 1 July 1997 but to be able to apply before that date

for a new status, to be known as British National (Overseas),

together with a British passport recording that status, and to

retain it for the rest of their lives. The draft Order also makes

provisions to guard against statelessness. The Order provides for any British Dependent Territories citizens who lose that status on 1

July 1997 automatically to become British Overseas citizens if they

would otherwise be stateless. Their children born on or after that

date will also become British Overseas citizens automatically at

birth if otherwise stateless. Their grandchildren will be entitled

to register as British Overseas citizens if born stateless. draft Order will be debated in a preliminary way once

once the people of initially Hong Kong and other interested parties have had an opportunity to comment on it. Her Majesty's Government will take care ful note of

points raised in these debates and will consider if these call for

17 October 1985 in London and Hong Kong

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made in the terms of the draft Order before it is re-presented for approval under affirmative resolution procedures.

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At the same time as the White Paper was published Her

Majesty's Government announced the arrangements for the issue of British National (Overseas) passports

(Overseas) passports from 1 July 1987. This will enable the present practice of issuing passports with a ten-year validity period to continue without interruption, and will give the maximum amount of time for third countries to grow accustomed to the new passports. Her Majesty's Government will be approaching other countries to explain the new passport to them once the draft Order

has been made.

12. In August 1985, Her Majesty's Government initiated discussions

with the Chinese Government on the wording of a statement to be

included in British National (Overseas) passports which would

indicate clearly to immigration authorities in third countries that the holder had the right of abode in Hong Kong. Agreement sought for the statement to remain valid over the life of passport. It would thus be valid both before and after 1997.

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