Explanatory note

Article 2 of this Order amends the Extradition Act 2003 (Designation of Part 1 Territories) Order 2003 and the Extradition Act 2003 (Designation of Part 2 Territories) Order 2003 by omitting the territories listed in article 2(3) from the latter Order and adding them to the former Order. The effect of this is that the territories become category 1 territories for the purposes of the Extradition Act 2003 so that Part 1 of that Act applies to them.

Article 3 of this Order amends article 3 of the Extradition Act 2003 (Designation of Part 2 Territories) Order 2003 by adding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The effect of this is that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will not be required to provide evidence under sections 71(2) and 73(3) of the Extradition Act 2003 but can instead provide information as required under the Act.

Article 4 of this Order amends article 4(2) of the Extradition Act 2003 (Designation of Part 2 Territories) Order 2003 by adding various new territories, together with relevant time limits, and amending the time limits in relation to others. This is the time limit within which relevant documents have to be received by the judge when a person is arrested under a provisional warrant. The time limits are contained within the extradition treaty signed with the respective territories.

Articles 1(2) and 1(3) of this Order are transitional provisions, which ensure that the change in designations does not apply to cases where extradition proceedings have already begun.