TNAG-2932-FCO40-4207-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 47

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MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

102

Ref: MS/9

立法局議員

12 May 1993

The Rt Hon Alastair Goodlad, MP

Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Hong Kong

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Main Building

Downing Street

London SW1

United Kingdom

HKD 3461

Mr Ricketts AIKA

26 MA 1993

Dear Mr. Good lad,

ca Hong Kong

MCO

26/5

Mr Kelly Mare îtnů.

C. Ms Wett, News Dent

MS

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Draft reply

possione please.

Дос

6.5 Dorey 13/5

Pst w Goo Glad

Registration of British Dependent Territories Citizens as British Nationals (Overseas)

We, Members

the Legislative Council; have recently learnt that the Hong Kong Government has requested the British Government to introduce to Parliament an Order in Council to amend the Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order

Order 1986 to impose cut-off dates for applications for registration of British Dependent Territories Citizens (BDTCS) as British Nationals (Overseas) [BN (0)s]. We are very concerned with the action taken by the Hong Kong Government and would like to request your assistance in deferring the

in deferring the introduction of

introduction of the relevant draft Order to Parliament.

We are aware of the potential problem that the

the Hong Kong Government would be likely to face if millions of applications for registration as BN (0) are made close to 1997 and we agree that something needs to be done in anticipation of the problem. However, we

concerned that under the phased programme proposed by the Hong Kong Government,

Government, those who fail to apply within the specified period will lose their right to apply for registration as BN (0). Although there is provision in the proposed arrangement for the Director of Immigration to exercise his discretion to accept late applications under special circumstances, we find this premature deprivation of the right of BDTCS to register for BN (0) status anytime before

1 July 1997 repugnant in principle.

Legislative Council Building, 8 Jackson Road, Central, Hong Kong. A#PRZEƒ^ƒ±✯♬ Tel: 526 4027

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