The UK launched a new visa program to help Hong Kongers immigrate to the UK despite strong opposition from the Chinese government on the 31st.
Accordingly, Hong Kongers holding a British National Overseas (BNO) passport can apply for citizenship after staying in the UK for 5 years if they apply for the visa.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement, “We are very proud to open a new way for British overseas citizens of Hong Kong to live, work, and settle in our country. We have supported the freedom and autonomy that the UK and Hong Kong cherished.” Said.
The British government, which had colonized Hong Kong until 1997, announced such countermeasures when China strengthened its control over Hong Kong through the Hong Kong National Security Act, which took effect in July last year.
Until now, Hong Kongers with BNO passports were only allowed to stay in the UK for 6 months.
The British government explained that 5.2 million people, or about 70% of Hong Kong’s population, held BNO passports. Also, through this system, about 320,000 Hong Kongers are expected to migrate to the UK over the next five years.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The British seriously infringed on China’s sovereignty and intervened in Hong Kong affairs and Chinese internal affairs. This is a serious violation of international law and basic rules of international relations.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has said it will cease proof of travel and identity for BNO passport holders in the future.
VOA news
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