LONDON (Reuters) – Britain has pledged £ 43 million ($ 59 million) to help people arriving from Hong Kong find jobs, homes and schools under an initiative that will allow the resettlement of millions after China’s imposition of new security laws on the former British colony.
An aggressive row with Beijing over reforms in Hong Kong has seen Britain open its doors to more than 5 million people, offering them the chance to live and work in the country and finally apply for citizenship.
Most of the money announced on Thursday will be spent by the local government on aid programs with English aid and housing costs for newcomers. The government will also set up 12 virtual regional offices to provide assistance in tasks such as registering health services and schools.
These “welcome centers” will also provide advice on how to set up businesses in the UK.
“This program will ensure that the holders of the British (overseas) nation state and their families have the best start as soon as they arrive and the support to help them find a home, schools for their children, opportunity and prosperity. said Community Minister Robert Jenrick. .
Britain says security laws imposed by China and democratic reforms in Hong Kong have violated the terms of the agreement that saw the return of the semi-autonomous city to China in 1997. Ministers say the visa program it’s a way to honor his side of this deal.
China has reacted angrily to the offer and says Western views on its actions on Hong Kong are clouded by misinformation and the imperial hangover.
Since its launch in January, around 27,000 people had applied for the new visa on 19 March. Although overall demand estimates are uncertain, the government expects between 258,000 and 322,000 applicants in five years.
The program is open to 2.9 million people classified as British national (overseas) – a special status that specifically refers to Hong Kong – and to 2.3 million eligible dependents.
($ 1 = £ 0.7235)
Reports by William James, edited by William Maclean