TNAG-2933-FCO40-4208-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 2

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The Advantages of the BN(O) Passport over the BOC Passport

The BN(O) passport is intended, by agreement between Britain and China, as the normal passport for Hong Kong people after 1997, for those who wish to keep the British connection. The BOC passport is residual. As such, the Hong Kong Government's efforts, assisted by Britain, have been directed towards building up and maintaining the BN(O) status and travel convenience abroad. The BN(O) passport now enjoys visa-free entry to more than 70 countries. We have actually achieved parity with the BDTC : only Austria gives visa-free entry to BDTCs and not BN(O)s, but Mexico gives it to BN(O)s and not to BDTCs. We are in active negotiations with Austria. We do not know how many countries allow BOC passport holders visa free entry. This has become important, because the BOC may seem deceptively attractive in the long term, with its apparently greater transmissibility and consular protection. The BN(O)'s advantages are more real in terms of travel facility and recognition. We have sought more detailed information from the British Government, who are responsible for BOCs, but they have not been able to help immediately. We believe, however, that the number of countries giving to BOCs the same facility as to BN(O)s is small.

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The number of BOCs held in Hong Kong is small, properly less than 20; they are held by residents of former colonies (such as Malaya).