HC Deb 05 February 1996 vol 271 c42W
Mr. Marlow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the deadline for applications from Hong Kong residents for British citizenship; and what arrangements govern applications made after that date. [13145]

Mr. Kirkhope

Applications from principal beneficiaries for the governor's recommendation for registration as a British citizen under section 1(1) of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990 were to be made before 31 March 1994 or, in the case of an application made in response to an invitation from the governor, before the date specified in the invitation. Applications for recommendation for registration as a British citizen as the spouse or minor child of a principle beneficiary under section 1(4) are to be made before 31 December 1996. Thereafter, the sole avenue to British citizenship for Hong Kong residents who do not already hold that status will be by way of an application for registration or naturalisation under the British Nationality Act 1981. Such applications are not subject to any deadline.