Who can issue passports of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region?

The issuance of passports for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is under the jurisdiction of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This reflects the principle of "one country, two systems" enshrined in the Basic Law, which allows Hong Kong to maintain its own immigration policies and passport issuing authority separate from that of Mainland China.

Hong Kong has its own set of laws and administrative structures, meaning that the local government is empowered to issue its own passports, enabling residents to travel internationally. This distinction reinforces Hong Kong’s autonomy in certain legal and administrative matters while being part of China.

The other entities mentioned, such as the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Central People's Government, do not have direct authority over the passport issuance for Hong Kong residents. Instead, they oversee broader national immigration policies. The Legislative Council of Hong Kong, while a key component of Hong Kong's governance, does not have the authority to issue passports. Thus, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is the correct answer as it holds the responsibility for managing passports for its residents.