As tensions between China and Hong Kong escalate, the UK government has suggested it will extend Hongkongers’ visa rights
There is a growing fear in Hong Kong as evidenced by the ongoing protests, that China will extinguish the independence and political freedoms of its residents through the implementation of new laws on policing, security and foreign interference. Australia, Canada, the UK and the US have all protested the proposed change, saying the laws would undermine Hong Kong’s one country, two systems framework.
The UK’s foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, yesterday initially threatened to change the immigration status of as many as 350,000 Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (“BN(O)s”) passport holders to extend their visa rights from six months to 12 months with the possibility of additional renewals, thereby providing holders with a pathway for future citizenship in the UK. Today it was announced that the position has been widened further so the right would cover anyone currently living in Hong Kong who is eligible to apply for a BN(O) passport of which there are an estimated 2.9 million people.
The Chinese foreign ministry said the UK government’s offer violates international law and they have warned that retaliation may be possible. Beijing considers Chinese residents in Hong Kong to be Chinese citizens regardless of the passport they hold.
