TNAG-2891-FCO40-4164-Freedom-of-travel-in-the-Hong-Kong-Special-Administrative-Re-1993 — Page 16

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immediately from 1 July 1997. We estimate that it may take up to three and a half years to finalise the designs of these documents and to develop a corresponding computer system to support production and record keeping. Some HKSAR residents will need the HKSAR passport and travel documents for travelling to other states and regions immediately after 30 June 1997. If we are to avoid public confusion at that time, details regarding eligibility criteria and application procedures for the HKSAR passport and travel documents need to be publicised before 1 July

1997.

3.

It is also important that the HKSAR passport and travel documents are recognised readily by other states and regions immediately from 1 July 1997. This will enhance the confidence of the public and help facilitate a smooth transition.

To ensure that other states and regions will recognise readily the HKSAR passport and travel documents, these states and regions will have to be well briefed on the HKSAR passport and travel documents before 1 July 1997.

4.

If proper arrangements are not put in place for issuing the HKSAR passport and travel documents immediately from 1 July 1997, there will, for the reasons set out above, be widespread disruption and inconvenience which will inevitably affect the smoothness of the transition. Το avoid such detrimental effect on the transition, the British side proposes that the two sides should deal with this important matter in the Joint Liaison Group in good time.

To faciliate discussion, we would like to make the following proposals on issuing the HKSAR passport and

travel documents.

ISSUING AUTHORITY

5.

The British side proposes that as

from 1 July