TNAG-2930-FCO40-4205-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 55

1) copy to Mr Kelly

BN (0) PASSPORTS

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1. As you know, if British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC)

passport holders wish to exchange their passports for British

National (Overseas) (BN (0)) ones or if those eligible for a BN (0)

passport wish to apply for one, they need to do so before 1997.

18

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2. You will recall that during the final stage of the

negotiations of the Memoranda on nationality associated with the

Joint Declaration, the two sides discussed the question of late

applications for BN (0) passports in the months before 1997.

Both sides recognised the need to take measures to avoid the

inconvenience and disruption caused by a last minute rush of

applications.

Later, at JLG II in November 1985, Ambassador Ke

said that the issue of BN (0) passports and new ID cards should be

arranged to avoid concentration of applications within a

particular period and thus an adverse effect on Hong Kong's

stability.

3.

Accordingly the Hong Kong Government will shortly be stepping

up its efforts, through media publicity, to increase public

awareness of the procedures for applying for a BN (0) passport.

They are also considering what other measures might be taken.

This could include for example, the introduction of a system of

phased application by age groups, similar to the system

previously used to issue new Identity cards. If such a system is

introduced, participation would be entirely voluntary.

Office of the British Senior Representative Sino-British Joint Liaison Group

3 February 1993

HKD 348,

R+

12 FEE 1993

IND