TNAG-1568-FCO40-2134-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 20

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choose to acquire the status of British National (Overseas) and who would otherwise become stateless on 1 July 1997 will become British Overseas citizens on that date.

RIGHTS

the

he

is

6. A British National (Overseas) will be entitled to hold

a British passport. He will also have an entitlement to full British consular protection and services when travelling residing abroad

or

(although not to consular

if People's Republic of China protection in regarded by the Chinese Government as a Chinese national or

other country of which he is any

regarded as а

national). He will also be exempt under the UK immigration rules from any requirement to hold an entry certificate or visa to visit the United Kingdom, as are BDTCS now. (The

passport will carry an endorsement confirming this.) In addition, a BN(O) will have the right of abode in Hong Kong (see paragraph 10 below).

in

1

PASSPORTS

7. The isssue of passports endorsed with the new status will commence from the introduction of the status on 1 July

1987.

8.

at

Το ensure continuity after 1997 passports issued to

BN (0)S in

as Hong Kong,

in the United Kingdom and overseas posts, will be issued by Her Britannic Majesty's Secretary of

State.

would be inappropriate

1997.) Passports issued

(Passports issued

the by

Governor

for continued use after 30 June

to BN(0)s will have the same 10

year cycle of validity as other British passports.

/BDTC