TNAG-1571-FCO40-2137-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 26

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Q & A

CONFIDENTIAL

Q1.

What guarantee can be given that existing full British passport holders(ie British citizens) are going to be able to renew their passports with full British

passports?

A.

Those who are British citizens will not be affected by the nationality arrangements which have been made as a consequence of the transfer of Sovereignty over Hong Kong due to take place on 1 July 1997. They will remain British citizens after that date and will therefore be able to continue to have passports describing

them as such.

Q2. Will all BDTC passport holders automatically have the right to renew BDTC

passports up until 1997, without further tests?

A.

or

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British dependent Territories citizens by virtue of a connection with Hong Kong will be able until 30 June 1997 to apply for a renew their BDTC passports. But as they will lose their BDTC status on 1 July 1997, such passports will not be valid beyond that date.

Q3.

Will all BDTC passport holders automatically have the right to be issued with BN(0) passports post 1997?

A. No. BDTC passport holders will have the right to acquire BN(0) status and a BN(0) passport before 1997, but they must apply. Provided they acquire a BN (0) passport before 1997, they will be able to renew them after 1997. No new BN(0)

for the first fine

passports can be issued after that date.

A

Q4.

Will all Certificate of Identity holders, whether Local Engaged Service or civilian personnel have the right, rather than mere eligibility to BN(0) passports?

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CONFIDENTIAL