On February 7, a British scheme to offer million of citizens from Hong Kong a new life in the United Kingdom take surface. From that day on, anyone with a British National Overseas or BNO passport and their dependents are eligible to apply online for a visa that will allow them to live and work in the UK.
After staying for five years in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong citizens can apply for a citizenship. The BNO is a special status created under the British law in 1987 that specifically targeting Kong citizens.
UK’s latest visa plan is a response to Beijing’s decision in 2020 to impose a national security law on Hong Kong, in an attempt to stop the growing pro-democracy protests.
UK has accused China of violating its promise back in 1997 to Hong Kong—that the financial hub would maintain liberties and autonomy in the island for 50 years. This citizenship program could bring at least 300,000 Hong Kong citizens over the the United Kingdom.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “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.”
However, Chinese officials have denounced the plan.
On January 29, China announced that it would no longer recognize BNO passports as a legitimate travel or identification document. This move was a massive deal as Hong Kong citizens use their own passports and ID cards to leave the city.
China has not ruled out on further retaliation.
Phoebe Kong, a correspondent in Hong Kong, said: “There have been rumors that many pro-Beijing politicians are suggesting that authorities [should] consider revoking the civil rights of Hong Kong citizens who emigrate to the UK with their BNO passports.”
Securing a Democratic Future in the UK
The United Kingdom estimates that at least 300,000 will arrive in the UK over the next five years, bringing net economic benefits of up to £2.9 billion to the UK.
The immigrants stated that they will depart as soon as they sell their property in Hong Kong. Most of them will be giving up well-paid jobs with a monthly salary of $15,000 to secure a future for their family in the UK.
The national security law in 2020 was a critical turning point for Hong Kong immigrant. Most of them believes that there is no longer hope for democracy and freedom.
Hong Kong has lost the protection of its constitution and the citizens do not wish their family to stay in an environment that instills on set of values that are controlled solely by China
Although the immigrants has no access to social welfare benefits in the UK, their children will be eligible for enrolling in public school.
China has pushed back against the UK’s migration schemes and will no longer recognize BNO passports as valid identification. The UK government has not responded yet about this.