TNAG-2935-FCO40-4210-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 4

CONFIDENTIAL

XCX(93)22

HKSAR Seamen's Travel Documents

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Seamen will continue to need seamen's travel documents. We propose that seamen with right of abode or unconditional stay in the HKSAR, but who are not eligible for travel documents of other countries or territories, should get documents equivalent to the Seamen's Identity Book. Details of this proposal are at Annex F.

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We originally suggested to the Chinese authorities at JLG IX in March 1988 that seamen who are BN(O) passport holders should use their passport with a seafarer's endorsement after 1997, instead of continuing to use Seamen's Certificate of Nationality and Identity (SCNIs). However, the Chinese did not agree to this proposal, because of their discontent with the British Nationality Scheme. We are, therefore, issuing SCNIS valid up to 30 June 1997. If seamen wish to have a travel document which is valid for 10 years, we advise them to obtain a BN(O) passport (without the seafarer's endorsement). As BN(O) passport holders enjoy visa-free access to the majority of the ILO signatory states and the number of BN(0) seamen applying for SCNIS is very small (seven in the second half of 1992), the effect of not reaching an agreement in this respect is not significant. However, the Chinese may raise this issue when they see our proposals. We will prepare a line of defence in anticipation of their questions.

Our approach to the Chinese side and Chinese reaction

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The issue of travel documents of the HKSAR is essentially a matter for the HKSAR. Consultation with the Chinese side is therefore necessary. The Chinese side is likely to be concerned with the treatment of Chinese nationals as compared with those of the British passport holders. We are unlikely to get a quick response from the Chinese side, given the present political climate and the large number of technical issues involved in the proposals.

FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS

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Consulting the Chinese at JLG has no additional financial or staffing implications. Printing new documents will entail expenditure in due course and this will be met from provisions allowed in the Estimates in the usual way.