Boris Johnson govt to open a new visa for Hong Kong BN(O) status holders

The commitment was made following the Chinese government’s imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong last year, in breach of its commitments under international law.

The visa reflects the UK’s historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong who have had their rights and freedoms restricted.

Those with British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status and their eligible family members will be able to come to the UK to live, study and work, the UK government said in a statement.

As with other visas, after  5 years in the UK, they  will be able to apply for  settlement, followed by  British citizenship after a further 12 months, read the statement.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement: "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."

"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," he said.

China is all set to recognise British National (Overseas) passports as travel and identification documents from Sunday, adding one more episode of tussle in the already tarnished relationship between Hong Kong and China.

Beijing will stop recognising British National (Overseas) passports as travel and identification documents from Sunday, and may retaliate further against Britain’s offer of a pathway to citizenship for 5.4 million eligible Hongkongers, South China Morning Post reported.

China’s first official move against Britain over the issue is widely seen as more symbolic than immediately impactful, as Hongkongers do not need BN(O) passports to travel in and out of the city or the country, but it could signal tougher action to come, the newspaper reported.

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian also made the official comment on the issue and said, "In disregard of China's solemn position and the fact that it has been 24 years since Hong Kong returned to the motherland, the British side blatantly violated its commitment, formulated the so-called 'bespoke' policy of abode and citizenship in the UK for BNOs, and continued to expand its scope of application.

"By trying to turn many Hong Kong residents into 'second-class citizens' in the UK, the British side has discarded the mutual understanding on the BNO between China and the UK."

"The 'BNO' today is nothing like what it was. The UK's move grossly violates China's sovereignty, interferes in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations. China deplores and firmly rejects this. Starting from January 31, China will no longer recognize the BNO passport as a valid travel document or for identification, and we reserve the right to take further actions," the official said.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, was handed over to China in 1997, and the Basic Law preserves its autonomy as a Special Administrative Region under the principle of “one country, two systems”.