Hong Kong BDTC status will
cease in July 1997 and under
Chinese law most Hong Kong residents will become Chinese
nationals. There are also arrangements whereby Hong Kong BDTCS may apply before July 1997 to become British Nationals
(Overseas) (BN(0)) and this status will continue after 1997.
There are also provisions for Hong Kong residents who might
otherwise be stateless to become British Overseas Citizens
(BOC). Neither BN (0) or BCC status confers right of abode in
the United Kingdom.
Passport Issuing Arrangements
At present all immigration, nationality and passport work in
Hong Kong on behalf of both the UK and the Hong Kong
Governments is undertaken by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This arrangement will continue until 1997 except that an office will be established in Hong Kong to act on
behalf cf the Home Secretary in operating the special
arrangements described below. In 1997 a British Consulate General will be established in Hong Kong to represent British interests there and its responsibilities will include renewal of all forms of British passports.
Special Measures For Hong Kong
Confidence in Hong Kong has fallen in the last few years and was particularly undermined by the events in China in June 1989. This has been evident in the numbers of people leaving
Hong Kong.
[Do HKBU have convenient figures which show both total emigration, the proportion in the professional
and managerial categories and any information about
destination?]
The UK Government is seriously concerned about this loss of confidence. Most people who leave Hong Kong do so reluctantly in order to acquire another citizenship or residence rights
elsewhere as an assurance against a future they feel is
uncertain. To stem this flow and boost confidence in the
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.