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no time limit on applications. In theory eligible people may apply at any time in the run up to 30 June 1997. Clearly, though, time is needed to process the application and then to process the BN(0) application.
We believe that legally binding cut off dates for the acquisition of both HKBDTC and BN (0) status are the only way to ensure that the people eligible for BN (0) status can acquire it if they so... wish. Without legal deadlines we can see no incentive for people to apply in good time.
The proposed scheme
The scheme for achieving this, cot out in the draft Order, is similar in concept to an exercise which Hong Kong undertook in relation to identity cards, with cut off dates being set by age group. The Order makes provision for cut off dates for different age groups, at three to five month intervals. They start this October for 22-26 year olds and finish in September 1997 for children born up to JV June that year.
These children have to
be registered by the end of the year. The Governor would have discretion to accept late applications where applicants became BDTCS after their BN(0) cut off date or where applicants had other good reason for not applying by their cut off date. Governor has proposed that an appeal panel should be set up to deal with any late cases which the Immigration Department refused and this is being discussed with the Hong Kong Legislative
Council.
The
taause of the need to encure that there will be sufficient time to naturalise those who wish to become. BDTCS and subsequently BN(0)s, we have made provision in the Order for a single cut off date (31 March 1996) for the acquisition of BDTC status.
Articles 2(2) and 2 (3) of the Schedule to the Hong Kong Act 1985 provides the legal means to take this action, which in our view is essential if we are to deal with this transitional problem·áñî--------
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