CONFIDENTIAL
exceeded expectations. But following the unhelpful press comment the proportion of people applying for BN (0) passports against those applying for BDTC passports fell rapidly from about 45% of the total in July to about 12% of applications by mid-August. Although the ratio picked up very slightly (18%) towards the end of August, it remains low. At the end of August the cumulative totals of all applications received since i July were: BN (0) 10811 and BDTC 21917 (i.e. a 33% preference). As people begin to travel more widely on the passport, and these niggling teething troubles hopefully recede into the past, we think applications will pick up again.
New ID Cards asnd "Right of Abode" Legislation
6.
The Minister is aware of our efforts in the JLG to agree the wording of a "right of abode endorsement" which can be entered in BN (0) passports (and Hong Kong Government issued "Certificates of Identity for visa purposes") confirming the holder's right of abode in Hong Kong (and hence returnability there) before and after 1997. As part of our package agreement with the Chinese on this, the Hong
1987 Kong Government introduced legislative changes on 1 July to bring "right of abode" into Hong Kong law and confer it on all BDTCs and people holding or eligible to hold a Certificate of Identity (in practice these people already had what amounted in Hong Kong law to the right of abode). This is a transitional measure, as the Joint Declaration defines who will enjoy the right of abode in the SAR and further legislative changes will therefore be needed to ensure that
But by 1997 Hong Kong law is consistent with the Joint Declaration. the practical consequences for Hong Kong residents will be minimal.
7.
Also from 1 July, the Hong Kong Government began issuing "permanent identity cards" to those Hong Kong residents who have the right of abode. The format of these is different from previous Hong Kong ID cards, by agreement with the Chinese, so that they may remain valid after 1997. These cards reflect only the holders' immigration status and have no bearing on his nationality. there has been a certain amount of disquiet in Hong Kong that the
This is new cards somehow represent a loss of British nationality. not at all the case and the Hong Kong Government have taken steps to try to ensure that there is no misunderstanding among the public
However,
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.