Hong Kong and Macau - Emigrants overflying Russia: Worth applying SAR passport?

Like many HK emigrants holding European or North American passports (and maybe also BNO), I've never seen the need to get a HKSAR passport. However, the recent CX LHR-HKG diversion to DME got me thinking.

Not too long ago, Sir BowTie went to see the prez (or was it the prem) in Moscow and came back with a deal: HKers and Russians can now visit each other's homeland for 14 days without visa, while Mainland Chinese, North Americans and Schengen/EU Europeans can't visit Russia without one.

In CX's case, everyone with a HKSAR passport was let go to a hotel, while the rest of them went to sleep in a lounge.

Given how many hours are spent overflying Russia nowadays for Asia-Europe and Asia-North America flights, is this a reason to have a HKSAR passport? I know airliners are required to have enough coats to fly polar, but diversion comfort is another matter.

Or does it matter only if you fly CX, since on other carriers, there'll barely be any HKSAR passport holders so they won't let anyone go anyway?

I know chances are remote, but diversions are more probable than Americans vs. hijacking a la 1980s (and thinking to get a second passport just in case).

I think by your reply re HRP in another thread you know the implication of applying and getting a HKSAR passport and the related citizenship issues.

Many emigrants sort of made a declaration of Chinese nationality anyway when applying for the Smart ID during their vacation time in HK.

The advantage of a HKSAR passport over the BNO is generally eclipsed by a EU or US/Canada passport, so many who religiously renew their HRP never bothered to apply.

Also, can anyone tell me if a Chinese embassy/consulate will even entertain your HKSAR application? Every time you apply for documents as a Chinese national, they want to verify your legal presence and ensure you haven't been naturalized, e.g. see your green card. A foreign passport certainly conflicts with this policy.

I myself hold a British passport and Hong Kong passport and did extensive research on this a while back as well as talking to other people in my position who are frequent travelers. Coupled with personal experience, I can tell you: get the Hong Kong passport.

There is absolutely no reason not to get one. The HK Government has been pushing for the HK passport to become more recognized around the world, and it has been working. Simply take a look at the number of countries & territories that accept the HK passport for visa-free travel.

Compared to other passports, even a 48 page HK passport is much, much cheaper. Even when traveling throughout the European Union, I use my HK passport simply because I have seen through different incidents the protection offered by the HK government to its own citizens. Contrary to whatever the politics maybe, it is different from China and special care is given for HKers.

Besides, what is a HK$500 investment for a 10 year, 48 page passport that will offer you visa-free access to certain places EU/US passports cannot go and give you a peace of mind? I understand the attitude in 1997, but in 2012 I always advocate family and friends to renew foreign passports to retain citizenship but get a 48 page HK passport and use it as your main travel document.

Sir BowTie

:D LOL

... Sir BowTie ...

:D LOL

That is his unofficial nickname in the HK English press and UK expat circle.

Besides, if something unfortunate happens, you can rely on Beijing to be able to fish you out very efficiently and quickly these days. They were able to evacuate the tens of thousands of Chinese out of Libya in days.

Besides, if something unfortunate happens, you can rely on Beijing to be able to fish you out very efficiently and quickly these days. They were able to evacuate the tens of thousands of Chinese out of Libya in days.

Or in any case the HK Gov't provides charter flights to assist its citizens.

But...

In a PRC/HK evacuation charter situation, will a HRP (a proof of PRC citizenship)/HKID without a HKSAR passport suffice?

Your own government (PRC/HK) may be "more obligated" to recognize you abroad than a Russia-divert kind of situation.

The passport only costs you HKD$370.

Tell me why you have think about getting it.

BTW - CX issue is different - you never know you will get diverted. Like if you are a British citizen and HKPR, it makes that you bring only your BCP and HKID without HKSARP.