-
Having read my article published in this column on January 18, a reader sent me a pamphlet he obtained from the Glasgow Passport Office in the UK. It is stated in the pamphlet that both British Dependent Territories Citizens and BOCS are eligible for registration as British citizens.
The normal requirement is that they must have resided legally in the UK for five years. Apparently, BN(0)s are not eligible for such lawful right of anode in the UK and the right to apply for British citizen passports.
Assistant Secretary for Security (sic), Mr. Simon Vickers said, "BDTC passport holders will continue to enjoy the rights all along conferred on BDTCs even after they have changed to BN (0) passports." Such a statement is correct, but such rights will cease to exist on 1 July
1997.
From that day onwards, people who have switched to BN(0) passports will not be able to acquire BOC status and their British nationality cannot be extended to their children. On the other hand, people who have not obtained a BN (0) passport will automatically become BOCS so long as they can prove that they do not have any other nationality and this status can be extended to their children. This is at least an interpretation which can be construed under the British Nationality Order 1986. Therefore, BDTC passport holders in Hong Kong can in no way accept the compulsory replacement of BN (0) passports in phases.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.