Hong Kong visa scheme launches on Sunday

[-:Undertaker:-]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...-kong-citizens

Britain launches visa scheme for Hong Kong citizens

In response to Chinese crackdown, those with British National (Overseas) status will be able to move to and eventually settle in UK

Millions of Hongkongers will be able to begin applying to live and work in the UK when a historic immigration scheme for British National Overseas citizens finally opens its doors on Sunday.

On Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the scheme, which offers a route to British citizenship, saying it honoured the UK’s commitment to its former citizens.

“I am immensely proud that we have brought in this new route for Hong Kong BN(O)s to live, work and make their home in our country,” Johnson said.

“In doing so we have honoured 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.”

Under the scheme, the UK estimates nearly three million Hongkongers and their dependents will be eligible to move to Britain for five years and apply for full citizenship.

The BNO scheme was first announced in July as controversial national security legislation imposed by Beijing went into effect in Hong Kong, sharply curtailing political freedoms.

It was soon followed by a wave of arrests of dozens of pro-democracy activists and politicians, including well known names like Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow and media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who has been charged under the new security law.

China says the path to citizenship is a violation of international law and interferes with its internal affairs.

The Home Office estimates, however, that between 123,000 and 153,700 Hongkongers and their families will use the scheme the first year and up to 322,400 over the next five years, bringing in between £2.4 and £2.9bn to the UK by 2025.

Very proud of this.

The Empire comes home.

Thoughts?

[-:Undertaker:-]

Great news below, the number will rise dramatically when the online application system comes online in next few weeks.

Excl: Almost 5,000 Hongkongers have already applied for the UK's bespoke BNO visa scheme - barely a fortnight after it opened: https://t.co/zrcNc6zl7d

— Matt Dathan (@matt_dathan) February 18, 2021