but
retuate to...
(be)
1
13.
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With this option, there should not be any major
difficulties in addressing the concern in (a) above, as
BN (O)s have the right of abode in Hong Kong and the future HKSAR, and are returnable there.
14.
Reciprocity could, however, be a problem. For us to be able to offer reciprocal concession valid after
1997, we would need to consult the Chinese. At this stage, it is difficult to see how the Chinese could be willing to associate themselves with any reciprocal VAAS
which were to provide visa-free entry only for BN (0)s when
they clearly have not thought about arrangements for the future HKSAR passports and their holders. If we wish to
start negotiating VAAS for HKBDTCs/BN(0)s sooner rather
than later, we would have to proceed without consulting
the Chinese but refrain from making any offers of
reciprocity.
15.
Although we could appeal to our negotiating partners that visa-free access for BN (0)s to their
countries after 1997 would be a confidence booster to Hong
Kong and suggest that it might be possible for their
nationals to enter HKSAR visa-free even though the VAAS
did not specifically provide for that, it is doubtful
whether any country would find this sort of arrangement
acceptable.
GF 323
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