“The measure fulfills the UK’s historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong who chose to maintain their ties with the UK by adopting BN (O) status in 1997. It provides them with a way to live in the UK. United in case they do. Choose to do so “.
BN (O) holders were granted special status in the 1980s, but for decades the document did not give them the right to work or live in the UK.
That changed last year, then Beijing’s imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong, which banned secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces. The law has already had a major effect on the city’s political life, as almost all prominent opposition politicians face charges of subversion and widespread self-censorship.
Both movements received widespread international criticism, particularly from the United Kingdom, which argued that the laws violated an agreement governing the surrender of Hong Kong in 1997. In turn, Beijing has accused London of acting illegally by providing a way out. towards citizenship for Hong Kongers under the BN (O) plan.
He said the BN (O) plan “seriously violates China’s sovereignty, seriously interferes in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, and seriously violates international law and the basic rules of international relations.”
The governments of Beijing and Hong Kong have said they will no longer recognize BN (O) passports as a valid travel document, although most holders also hold Hong Kong or other passports, so the effect of this will be limited.
In a statement, British Home Secretary Priti Patel said London had “promised to keep freedom for the people of Hong Kong, which is why I am proud to have been able to support so many people when they have need our help “.
“It is an unprecedented generous scheme and there is no other visa in the world of this nature,” he added. “We are working hard to resettle successful people and we recognize that there is nothing more difficult than leaving home to rebuild life in a new country.”
Most of the money will go to England’s councils “to provide specific support to newcomers”, including English language classes and housing assistance for those in need. About £ 5 million will be used to set up “12 virtual welcome centers” across the UK, to help Hong Kongers on issues such as applying for schools, registering GPs or setting up businesses.
Protest leader Nathan Law granted asylum
While millions of Hong Kongers are eligible for BN (O) status, many of the younger protesters who took part in the anti-government riots that shook the city in 2019 and attracted global attention will have been born too late.
Last year, authorities began rounding up and prosecuting suspects in protest-related crimes, while other protest leaders and activists have been charged in accordance with the national security law.
Although Law is older than many protesters, he was born in mainland China and is therefore not eligible for the BN (O) plan.
“The fact that they are looking for me under the National Security Act shows that I am exposed to severe political persecution and that I am unlikely to return to Hong Kong without risk,” Law said on Twitter. “My situation, however, may not apply to all Hong Kong asylum seekers. Some may not have enough evidence to justify their claims due to a lack of media reports or fleeing persecution. Fearing the denial of their claims, most live in anguish and anxiety. ”
Law said he hoped the Home Office would “consider more comprehensive evidence” in cases involving Hong Kong protesters, in order to further allow asylum seekers in the UK.