When did the Transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong happen?
Transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong The transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China, referred to as "the Handover" internationally or "the Return" in China, took place on 1 July 1997. The landmark event marked the end of British administration in Hong Kong, and is often regarded as the watershed of the British Empire.
British National (Overseas) passport The British National (Overseas) passport, commonly referred to as the BN(O) passport, is a British passport for persons with British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status. The passport was first issued in 1987 after the Hong Kong Act 1985, from which this new class of British nationality was created. Holders of BN(O) passports were permanent residents of Hong Kong, until July 1, 1997 when Hong Kong was handed over to Chinese sovereignty from British rule (especially true for non-Chinese ethnic minorities; even though born in Hong Kong).