7.
HOLDING BOTH BN (0)s AND SAR PASSPORTS
4.
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.
8.
8.
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. "The holder of this passport has Hong Kong permanent
identity card No (XYZ) which states that the holder has the right
of abode in Hong Kong."
9.
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 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.
10.
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.
11.
CHARGE FOR BN(0) PASSPORT
6. While there will be no fee for registering as a BN (0) there will
be a fee for the passport. The passport fee will be the standard one
fixed under the Consular Fees Act 1980 (by the Home Secretary).
At present it is £
Db.3
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.