We expect to reach final
at the next meeting
March.
of
agreement on this and other related matters
the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group in
30. The wording of this endorsement is in line with Section XIV of
Annex I to the Joint Declaration. It is a clear and unequivocal
confident that it will effectively
statement.
The Government
is
guarantee that BN (0) s will be able to re turn to Hong Kong, and
and that
as it
will satisfy Immigration Officers in third countries BN (0) s
will not need to carry their identity cards with them when they
travel. Certainly the initial reaction has been encouraging. But
the Government will embark on a round of explanations to other
countries on ce the Order
Order is in place and before the passport showing
the new status is
We shall do our utmost to
ensure that BN (0)
passport holders enjoy the same access to other
countries as is
now enjoyed by BD TC passport holders.
meetings have already begun and there have been helpful
from
the United States, Australia and the European Parliament.
introduced in 1987.
In formal
responses
31.
I believe this is likely to be the most satisfactory and
reliable way of ensuring that the new passport is
and
understood in other countries. I appreciate that concern felt in
recognised
Hong Kong which has led members of the Legislative Council to
propose an endorsement in the passport to show that the holder does
not require entry clearance
a
in the UK.
Entry clearance is of course
not mandatory for people coming here from Hong Kong as visitors.
But entry clearance is facility available to
those coming to
country who wish
their entry before assure
they
off and set
would be wrong to discourage the
this of use
facility. There
another important point to be made. It is a fundamental part of our
11
to
system of on-entry" control that people
satisfy the immigration officer that they
under the immigration rules: and
putting any endorsement in the
obviously
this
it
is
to
arriving here
have
qualify for admission
we must beware against
and
passport which might mislead
(12)
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