LONDON (UK) – Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed on Friday a new visa scheme that offers Hong Kong citizens the path to British citizenship. The programme was kickstarted in response to the national security law imposed by Beijing on the city.
First announced in December 2020, the scheme will be operational on Sunday and allows those with “British National (Overseas)” status to reside, study and work in Britain for five years and eventually apply for citizenship.
Britain said through this scheme it was fulfilling a historic and moral commitment to the residents of Hong Kong after accusing China of breaking the terms of the 1997 handover treaty by introducing security aimed at curbing dissent.
China termed the scheme offering the path to citizenship a violation of international law and interference with its internal matters.
“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 a statement.
“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.”
BN(O) was created in 1987 and it specifically relates to Hong Kong.
Through the 250 pound visa, as many as 300,000-plus people and their dependents could be wooed to Britain and it could generate up to 2.9 billion pounds net benefit to the nation’s economy over the next five years as per predictions of the government.
Eligible applicants can avail this scheme online from Sunday midday and book an appointment to register their fingerprints at a visa application centre. From Feb. 23 some will be able to make the application via a smartphone app.
It still remains to be seen how many people will take up the offer of Britain.
