British Nationality Selection Scheme

The British Nationality Selection Scheme (BNSS) was a process used to grant British citizenship to selected persons in Hong Kong between 1990 and 1997. Established in accordance with the 1990 British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act, the scheme allowed 50,000 families (mostly ethnic Chinese) to acquire full British citizenship.
Hong Kongers who met certain eligibility criteria could apply for British citizenship under section 1(1) of the Act during two three-month periods:

1 December 1990 to 28 February 1991
3 January 1994 to 31 March 1994

The Governor of Hong Kong retained the power to invite applications after 31 March 1994. However, no person could be registered as a British citizen under s. 1(1) after 30 June 1997.
Spouses and children of those who were granted British citizenship under section 1(1) could apply for registration under section 1(4) of the Act. All applications from spouses and children for registration under s. 1(4...