Emma Barr
He will create a special visa in January 2021 for Hong Kongers who hold BN (O) overseas passports with their families.
The British Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on October 22 that this special visa named "BN (O) Hong Kong" visa is the first step in a new roadmap for Hong Kongers to have the right to reside in the UK and become citizens.
Hong Kong protesters holding a simulated photo of a UK overseas passport at the end of June Photo: SCMP.
The new visa program will not limit the number of British BN (O) overseas passport holders who are allowed to participate, expected to start registration from January 31, 2021, according to the notice of the British Foreign Ministry.
British media said more than one million Hong Kong residents could move to the UK in the next five years under the new visa program, of which 500,000 will be included in the first year.
Holders of the "BN (O) Hong Kong" visa will be allowed to enter and stay in the UK for an initial period of 30 months, then can be extended for another 30 months or 5 years.
New holders of BN (O) Hong Kong visas will be able to "work and study in the UK, but have not yet enjoyed budgetary sources such as social welfare benefits", stated on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
To be eligible to apply for a new BN (O) Hong Kong visa, an applicant must hold a British BN (O) overseas passport and live in either Hong Kong or the UK, as well as have the ability to adapt and be financially able to live in
"This new route to the UK is part of our commitment to the people of Hong Kong. The UK is ready to welcome BN (O) owners and their relatives to the UK," Consul General of England
The Chinese Foreign Ministry today issued a statement calling on the UK to "immediately correct the mistake" after the government announced a new visa policy for Hong Kongers.
British overseas passport BN (O) is a state regulated by British law since 1987, issued to Hong Kong residents born before the time the UK handed over the city to Beijing on July 1, 1997.
Britain "opened the door" to millions of Hong Kong people after China enacted city security law in late June, criminalizing four types of national security crimes including separatism, subversion, terrorism and collusion.
