There has been no significant increase in applications for naturalisation certificates as the final passage of the British Overseas Territories Act draws closer.

The bill, which is now being examined by a committee of British legislators before its third and final reading in the House of Commons, grants automatic British citizenship to Overseas (Dependent) Territories citizens (BDTC) once it becomes operational.

But because Overseas Territories citizenship and Bermudian status are not linked, hundreds of people with Bermudian status could be at risk of missing out on getting British citizenship automatically if they do not become naturalised by the bill's commencement date.

They would then have to apply directly to the Home Office for citizenship after becoming naturalised - a more onerous procedure than just getting their BDTC papers in order now.

Precise figures are unavailable, but Chief Immigration Officer Dr. Martin Brewer told The Royal Gazette that the majority of those affected would be those who have been granted status.

People who were born abroad to Bermudian women who subsequently acquired status when discriminatory laws were overturned, should also get their British Overseas Territories Citizenship papers in order if they want automatic British citizenship.

According to 1991 figures there were some 1,200 foreign born status Bermudians who would have had to apply to become naturalised as BDTCs.

Dr. Brewer said people usually apply for naturalisation when they get status, but some don't. And he reminded The Royal Gazette that not all countries allow their citizens to possess dual nationalities.

British legislators have indicated that they are aiming for the Citizenship Bill to be read for a third time before Christmas and to become effective early next year.

Applications for naturalisation certificates, available from the Department of Immigration, specifically ask for proof of residence for five years preceding the application, a birth certificate and a $67 fee.

Normal processing time is six weeks.