to a parent who fulfilled these requirements. While about 3.4 million people acquired BN(O) nationality, 2.5 million non-BDTC residents (virtually all Chinese nationals) were ineligible. Those ineligible who wished to register as BN(O)s were required to have been naturalised as Hong Kong-connected BDTCs by 31 March 1996. Acquiring Hong Kong BDTC status other than by birth was no longer possible after that date. Unlike other British nationalities, BN(O) holders are uniquely entitled to hold British passports in that status. Every BN(O) was directly issued a British National (Overseas) passport when they first obtained the status, while members of all other nationality classes are first given certificates of registration and do not receive passports automatically. All Hong Kong-connected British Dependent Territories citizens lost BDTC status on 1 July 1997. Individuals who did not acquire Chinese nationality (this generally only applied to those not ethnically Chinese) and would have been stateless at that date automatically became British Overseas citizens. British National (Overseas) status can be relinquished by a declaration made to the Home Secretary provided that the declarant already possesses or intends to acquire another nationality. Prior to 1 July 1997, deprivation of this nationality was also tied to the loss of British Dependent Territories citizenship. Individuals who successfully registered as British citizens under the British Nationality Selection Scheme automatically lost BDTC status, and consequently also lost BN(O) nationality if they had acquired it. There is no path to restore BN(O) status once lost. Rights and privileges British Nationals (Overseas) are exempted from obtaining visas or entry certificates when visiting the United Kingdom for less than six months. They and their dependent family members are eligible to apply for the "British National (Overseas) visa", an indefinitely renewable residence permit valid for either a period of 30 months or five years. BN(O)s under the age of 30 are also eligible for two-year working holiday visas and do not face annual quotas or sponsorship requirements. BN(O)s are not considered foreign nationals when residing in the UK and are entitled to certain rights as Commonwealth citizens. These include exemption from registration with local police, voting eligibility in UK elections, and the ability to enlist in the British Armed Forces. British Nationals (Overseas) are also eligible to serve in nearly all Civil Service posts (except for those in His Majesty's Diplomatic Service and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), be granted British honours, receive peerages, and