TNAG-1568-FCO40-2134-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 25

It

has been agreed between the British and Chinese Governments that all permanent identity cards referred to in this endorsement issued by the Hong Kong Government up to 30 June 1997 will continue to be used after that date until replaced by permanent identity cards issued by the

Administrative Special

and

such that

replacements will bear the same number. There may be a

of individuals who, by virtue

the

very

small

number of

Region Government

terms of Section XIV of Annex I to the Joint Declaration,

will lose

lose the right of abode in Hong Kong after 30 June 1997. The provisions of the Joint Declaration ensure, however, that this will only affect individuals who have the right of abode (and hence are returnable) elsewhere.

Persons who are British Dependent Territories citizens by virtue of connection with Hong Kong will retain that status until 30 June 1997 whether or not they apply for

British National (Overseas) status. Passports currently held by such British Dependent Territories citizens will remain fully valid until their date of expiry unless cancelled upon the issue of a passport showing the status

of British National (Overseas).

such persons who

choose not to apply for the status of

British National

(Overseas) will continue to be issued with passports showing their status as British Dependent Territories citizens, but these passports will have a maximum validity

to 30 June 1997.

Any

Copies of the Hong Kong Act 1985 and the Hong

the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986 are available if required from Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 49 High Holborn,

London WC1V 6HB.

The Secretary of State would be grateful if the information contained in this Note could be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities in the countries to whose Missions this Note is addressed.

/Her

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