TNAG-2920-FCO40-4195-Visits-and-proposed-visits-by-Alastair-Goodlad--Minister-of--1993 — Page 52

27-MAT-1990 16:46

AF GO EFNINE"?

BN (0) PHASED PROGRAMME

Background

HOOSE.

it 1888

The BN(0) passport was launched in 1987 to fulfil the agreement reached in the Memoranda attached to the Joint Declaration that Hong Kong people could continue to

hold a British travel document after 1997. The BN(0) passport is now well-recognised and has achieved parity with the older-established BDTC passport in terms of

visa-free travel. Only Austria now requires a visa for

BN (0)S and not for BDTCS, whereas Mexico now requires a

visa for BDTCs and not for BN (0)S.

2.

Since BDTC status ends on 1 July 1997, there are

as many as 3.5 million people who are eligible to switch to the BN (0) passport. If we let things drift, there may well be an impossible last minute rush, resulting in some not getting their BN (0) passport.

3.

A phased programme for application by age-group

for BN(0) passports is now being introduced. The programme requires an Order-in-Council in order to give the cut-off dates legal bite. This has caused opposition

in the Legislative Council and in the media.

4.

The Legislative Council is concerned that the phased programme will

5.

(a) remove the rights of Hong Kong people to

apply ivı univi puoɔpull up to 30 Swe

1997; and

(b)

4

penalise those who apply late.

Members have proposed a number of other schemes,

which have been examined and found to be unworkable.