TNAG-1558-FCO40-2122-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 20

E.K.

My Lords, I would like to say a few words now, if I may, about

the proposed arrangements for issuing BN(0) passports once the

Order comes into effect. Although not strictly part of the

draft Order, I know that a number of your Lordships are concerned

with this matter which is closely linked to the Order and is of

central importance to its successful implementation.

The Government intend to issue BN(0) passports from 1 July 1987.

This will enable Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens

to choose between applying for a British Dependent Territories

Citizen passport with a restricted validity until 1 July 1997, or

a BN(0) passport valid for a full ten years. It will not be

possible to carry both a BN(0) and a British Dependent Territories

Citizen passport at the same time.

The great majority of BN(0) passports will be issued in Hong Kong.

But it will be possible for Hong Kong British Dependent

Territories citizens to apply for a BN(0) passport wherever they

may be.

There will be a fee for the passport, which will be the

same throughout the world.

[ Initially the passport is likely to be in the same format as at

present. But as your Lordships will be aware, the format of

British passports will in due course change to an EC common

format one which is machine readable, and the BN(0) passport

will follow suit. ]

BN(0) passports will contain an endorsement as to the holder's right

of abode in Hong Kong. I know that this has been a matter of

particular concern to your Lordships. As the House already

knows, the Chinese have agreed in principle that the wording

/of the endorsement....