TNAG-2932-FCO40-4207-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 82

For decision on

15 December 1992

CONFIDENTIAL

Annex A

XCC(92)187 Copy No. Jo

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

A PHASED PROGRAMME FOR REGISTERING BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS (BDTC) AS BRITISH NATIONALS (OVERSEAS) [BN(0)] AND FOR ISSUING THEM WITH BN(O) PASSPORTS

THE PROBLEM

People wishing to acquire British Nationals (Overseas) [BN(O)] status must be registered as such before 1 July 1997. If we do not instigate a phased programme for registration, there is a significant risk that many will apply too close to that deadline and that we will be unable to process their applications in time.

RECOMMENDATION AND ADVICE SOUGHT

2

(a)

(b)

(c)

It is recommended that the following proposals be implemented -

the Administration should seek an Order in Council, imposing cut-off dates for registration of British Dependent Territories Citizens (BDTCs) as BN(O)s and for registration/naturalization as BDTCs;

the Order in Council should give the Administration the discretion to approve late applications where applicants can show reasonable excuse for missing their cut-off dates. This should include new BDTCs who, for good reason, come forward after the three month "grace period" proposed in paragraph 12;

following (a), the Administration should launch a phased programme for registering BDTCs as BN(O)s, inviting people to come forward by age group from mid-1993; and

Executive Council