UK Says Upholding Freedom And Autonomy With New HK Visas
01/28/21 AT 8:08 PM
Britain s government on Friday vowed to stand by the people of its former colony Hong Kong against a Chinese crackdown as it prepared to launch a new visa scheme potentially benefiting millions.
Holders of British National (Overseas) status a legacy of UK rule over Hong Kong up to 1997 will from Sunday be able to apply to live and work in the UK for up to five years, and eventually seek citizenship.
Before the change, BN(O) passport holders have had only limited rights to visit the UK for up to six months, and not to work or settle.
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The UK government will deliver on its commitment to open a new visa for Hong Kong BN(O) status holders on Sunday 31 January.
The commitment was made following the Chinese government’s imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong last year, in breach of its commitments under international law.
The visa reflects the UK’s historicâ¯andâ¯moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong who have had their rights and freedoms restricted.
Those with British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status and their eligible family members will be able to come to the UK to live, studyâ¯and work. As with other visas, afterâ¯5 years in the UK, theyâ¯will be able to apply forâ¯settlement, followed byâ¯British citizenship after a further 12 months.
China on Friday said it will “no longer recognise” the British National (Overseas) passport for Hong Kong people, as the United Kingdom prepares to open its doors to millions more residents of its former colony following a Beijing security crackdown.
“From January 31, China will no longer recognise the so-called BNO passport as a travel document and ID document, and reserves the right to take further actions,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters.
Beijing’s move to impose a national security law in June last year prompted Britain to offer refuge to almost three million Hong Kong residents eligible for BNO passport from January 31.