TNAG-1571-FCO40-2137-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 52

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that goes with it provided they do so between 1 July 1987 and

30 June 1997. (Children born between 1 January 1997 and

They will

30 June 1997 may apply up to the end of 1997).

retain this status for life it cannot be transferred to

future generations. Up to 1997 they will have BDTC and BN (0)

status, but may not hold passports relating to each status

simultaneously. Like BDTCs, BN (0)s will be entitled to full

British consular protection.

4.

At present, HMG repatriates BDTCs from third countries

to Hong Kong on very much the same basis as they repatriate

British citizens to the UK. The Hong Kong Government are

consulted in each case; once they have agreed to a repatriation,

we effect it and charge costs direct to the Hong Kong Immigration

Department. There is therefore no cost to HMG. We at present

repatriate about 2 BDTCS a year to Hong Kong.

5.

It is unlikely, however, that we shall be able to continue

to recover repatriation costs after 1997. Although it is

possible that we may be able to reach an agreement with the

Hong Kong SAR Government similar to the present one, we cannot

establish this now: the SAR Government will not be in existnece

until 1 July 1997. The Chinese Government, whom. we could in

theory approach now, would probably be dismissive of any

suggestion that the SAR Governemnt should in effect stand

Their position is that all

/Hong Kong

as guarantors for BN(0)s.

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