TNAG-2630-FCO40-3821-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1992 — Page 32

GOVERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.

TUE 17 NOV 92 09:51

PG.05

Background and argument

3.

On signing the Joint Declaration the two

sides exchanged memoranda (JD 225 to 235 : Annex A),

recording their understanding that Hong Kong BDTCs

would lose that status on 1 July 1997. But they would

be eligible to retain "an appropriate status"

known as "British National (Overseas)"

-

now

if they held

or were included in passports (i.e. BN (0) passports)

issued by HMG before that date. The new status would

not confer a right of abode in the UK. But the new

passports could be used for travel to and from other

countries.

4.

The understanding was implemented by the Hong

Kong Act 1985 and the subsequent Hong Kong (British

Nationality) Order 1986. The latter provides that the

status of Hong Kong BDTC will end on 1 July 1997; Hong

Kong BDTCs may acquire BN (0) status before that date.

Children born in 1997 before 1 July may be registered

before the end of the year. Otherwise, nobody may be

registered as a BN (0) after 30 June 1997.