TNAG-2630-FCO40-3821-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1992 — Page 34

GOVERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.

TUE 17 NOV 92 09:53

PG.07

1.

- 5

Thus, there is a serious risk of a

last-minute rush as 1997 draws nearer. Unless we take

steps to ensure an orderly flow of applications, it is

likely that last-minute demand could exceed our

processing capacity(2) If that happens, significant

numbers may remain unprocessed on 1 July 1997. Many

people would then be unable to secure BN(0) passports.

Government would be severely criticized.

8.

There is a similar risk in respect of

naturalization. Under the British Nationality Act

1981, anyone who has ordinarily resided here for five

and is not subject to a limit of stay

years(7)

-

may apply for naturalization as a BDTC.

applicants are eligible to become BN (0)s.

Successful

provision for imposing time limits on such

applications.

There is no

Therefore, in theory, eligible persons

may apply for naturalisation up to 30 June 1997.

Naturalization normally takes 18 months and we need

time on top of that to process passport applications

Note (2):

Note (3) :

At present, we can process about 1,000

applications a day. We are developing

ways to expedite this. But even

substantial shortening will not enable

us to cope if all one million applicants

wait until 1996/97.

Three years if married to an HKBDTC.