62. The status after 30 June 1997 of persons who are now British Dependent Territories citizens, and related issues, are covered in two Memoranda to be formally exchanged between the British and Chinese Governments on the same day as the signature of the Joint Declaration. These Memoranda set out the respective positions of the two Governments.
63. Since Hong Kong will no longer be a British dependent territory after 30 June 1997, it will not be appropriate for those who are British Dependent Territories citizens by virtue of a connection with Hong Kong to be described as such after that date. The United Kingdom Government will seek Parliamentary approval for legislation which will give such British Dependent Territories citizens the right to a new status, with an appropriate title. This status will not give them the right of abode in the United Kingdom, which they do not possess at present, but it will carry benefits similar to those enjoyed by British Dependent Territories citizens at present, including the entitlement to use British passports and to receive British consular services and protection in third countries. The status will not, however, be transmissible by descent. The United Kingdom Government will do all they can to secure for holders of these British passports the same access to other countries as that enjoyed at present by holders of British Dependent Territories citizen passports.
64. This new status will be acquired by former Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens only if they obtain a British passport before 1 July 1997. The only exceptions to this are:
(b) persons who were born between 1 January and 30 June 1997 will be able to acquire this new status if they obtain a British passport, or are included in the passport of a parent, on or before 31 December 1997. Those who are included in the passport of a parent will be able to obtain a British passport of their own after that date.
65. The Chinese Memorandum states the Chinese Government's position that Hong Kong Chinese are Chinese nationals. 1t indicates, however, that those Chinese nationals who hold British travel documents may continue to use them after 1 July 1997. Such persons will not, of course, be entitled to consular protection by the United Kingdom Government in the Hong Kong SAR or in other parts of China.
Last revised: 7 Nov, 1996