- 4 -
She
18.
Mr CHAN Ping remarked that the most important consideration was now to secure the international recognition of the BN (0) passport. Mrs. Carrie LAM said that the British Government would try her best in this respect and it was not envisaged that there would be difficulties or problems as it was issued by a legal and competent government. said that some countries such as the U.S.A. had already indicated acceptance of the new passport. Mr. CHAN Ping, however, thought that if at all possible there should be written agreement with countries to ensure their recognition of this new form of travel document.
19.
Mr. WONG Wan-tin also stressed the importance to secure international recognition. He suggested that the British Government should take the lead to increase people's confidence in the BN (0) passport by waiving the visa requirement for the BDTC passports holders entering into the United Kingdom. Mr. K.T. LAI responded that under the existing arrangement, there was no need for BDTC passport holders to apply for entry certificate in order to visit the United Kingdom. However, for the non-English speaking BDTC passport holders, they might find it more convenient if they had applied for an entry certificate beforehand. Mr. LAI emphasised that so far no BDTC passport holders had been refused entry because of no entry certificate.
20.
Dr. Michael LEE enquired what would happen to the future descendants of the BDTCS or BN (0) passport holders who were former Hong Kong residents living abroad but were not able to acquire the nationality of the state where they were residing. Mrs. Carrie LAM said that there should be no problem for this category of persons who were of Chinese race as according to the Joint Declaration, they were entitled to the right of abode in Hong Kong and this extended to their children born outside Hong Kong.
21.
Mr. FUNG Kwong-chung also expressed his concern for the C.I. holders. Mrs. Carrie LAM reiterated that problems and inconvenience due to the change over to HK (SAR) passport would be discussed between the two Governments. She also pointed out that C.I. holders were outside the context of the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order which concerned only the BDTCS.
22.
Mr. Augustine CHUNG said that in order to ensure that BN (0) passport holders would be able to return to Hong Kong, their right of
Mrs. Carrie LAM abode should be stated clearly in the travel document. said that the categories of persons who would have the right of abode in
She did not the HKSAR were clearly mentioned in the Joint Declaration. think therefore that a BN (0) passport holder who was in possession of a valid identity card issued by the HKSAR Government would be debarred from re-entry.
23.
At the end of discussion, the Chairman commented that people of Hong Kong were most concerned about the acceptance of the new
BN(0) passports by foreign countries and their right to return to Hong Kong.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.