The United Kingdom has launched an immigration visa scheme that will offer millions of qualifying Hong Kong citizens a path to British citizenship, with Beijing underlining that it would not recognize the immigration program, which comes in response to China’s new security laws in the former colony.
The scheme, known as British National Overseas (BNO), is to take effect on Sunday and will allow some three million Hongkongers as well as their dependents to live, study and work in Britain for five years and eventually apply for full citizenship.
Based on a scheduled timetable, eligible applicants from around midday on Sunday can apply online and book an appointment to register their fingerprints at a visa application center and from February 23 some will be able to make the application via a smartphone application.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the scheme on Friday and said it honored the UK’s commitment to its former citizens.
“I am immensely proud that we have brought in this new route for Hong Kong BNOs to live, work and make their home in our country,” Johnson said. “In doing so we have honored our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for freedom and autonomy – values both the UK and Hong Kong hold dear.”
The British government said it was fulfilling a historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong, after accusing China of breaching the terms of a 1997 handover by introducing security laws that London claims are being used to silence dissent.
Hong Kong has been governed under the “one-country, two-system” model since the city — a former British colony — was returned to China in 1997.
Your Comment