TNAG-2931-FCO40-4206-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 26

1=20-04-13

BECURI BRANCH

ruos 888 738

F.03

Order

instructions, 1986 has therefore

Subject to the

UK's Hong Kong (British Nationality) been put forward, together with the drafting the British Government for consideration. approval of the Order in Parliament, the programme will operate in phases from the second half of 1993 draft time-table for registration of BDTC as BN (0) is at Annex.

1993 to the end of 1396. A

The Deliberations of the Subcommittee

5.

Government that the

The Subcommittee disagrees with proposed programme is just an operational arrangement to solve an anticipated administrative problem. proposal

In Members' view, the affects the entitlement of all BDTCS They are very disappointed that the Legislative Council has not BDTCS in Hong Kong. been consulted about the proposal or decision to put the proposal to the British Government.

informed of the ExCo

6.

It

The Subcommittee considers the proposal unacceptable. amounts to cutting down the right of the BDTCs. Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986 and the Memorandum Under the attached to the JD, BDICS can retain their BDTCship and keep their BDTC passports until 30 June 1997. their right to register

They can to register as BN (0) at any time they like before exercise 1 July 1997.

With the proposed programme, compelled to make their decision whether to exercise this right BDTCS will be during a period of time specified by the Government. not apply within the specified period, they will lose the right If they do to register as BN (O). If they register within

within the specified then have to give up their BDTC passports have otherwise been kept until such time as they 1 July 1997. Moreover, because it programme,

is the time allowed for different age groups of BDTCs to a phased exercise their right will vary, some will have a longer time than others. This is considered to be arbitrary and unfair.

period, they will which could have wish before

7.

While the Subcommittee shares the Administration's concern regarding a last minute

last minute rush for applications for BN (0) passports, it considers that the administrative problem should be solved by administrative measures and a number of suggestions have been put forward. These include reducing the fees for early renewal of BDTC passports for BN (0) passports, issuing the applicants for registration as BN (0) S certificates for

with registration allowing BDTC

passports later, and passports which

BN (0) Subcommittee has

collection of BN (0) passport holders to hold

will become valid on 1 July

asked the Administration

concurrently

1997. consider

to

suggestions and not to go ahead with the proposal.

Advice Sought

8.

In view of the importance of the

The

the

issue, the

support for

Subcommittee considers it necessary to bring it to the attention of the House Committee. It also invites Members' its request to withdraw the proposal.

OMLEGCO

13.4.1993

"

1