Britain will open new visas for Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) passports (BNO) from Sunday, British Home Secretary Priti Patel said via Twitter on Jan. 29, adding, “I look forward to welcoming them to our great country.”
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian announced at a regular press conference on Friday that China would no longer recognize the so-called BNO passport as a valid travel document and proof of identity as of January 31, and reserved the right to take further measures. The Hong Kong government also said in a press release that evening that it would “fully cooperate” with the country on the BNO issue to take countermeasures, since January 31, the BNO can not be used to enter and exit Hong Kong, and will not be recognized in Hong Kong as proof of identity.
The British government issued a statement on the same day that the British side will “honor its historical commitment”, the British government will be January 31 (Sunday) to honor the commitment to open a new visa for holders of BNO status in Hong Kong. The statement said, “This commitment was made after the Chinese government implemented the National Security Law in Hong Kong last year, in violation of its commitments under international law. The visa reflects the UK’s historical and moral commitment to Hong Kong people whose rights and freedoms are restricted.”
The statement said, “People with a British National (Overseas) Passport (BNO) and their eligible Family members will be able to come to live, study and work in the UK. As with other visas, after five years of residence in the UK, they can apply for settlement and after a further 12 months they will be granted British citizenship.” In response, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “I am very proud that we have brought this new route for British National (Overseas) Passport holders in Hong Kong to live, work and make their home in our country.” In doing so, he said, “we honor our deep history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we support freedom and self-government – values that Britain and Hong Kong hold dear.”
Patel said, “Global Britain will always do the right thing and keep our promises. This new visa delivers on our commitment to the people of Hong Kong, respecting our strong historic relationship and upholding their freedoms.” She said, “I look forward to welcoming people who want to put down roots and build a new Life with their families in the UK.” Patel also tweeted, “On Sunday, the UK will once again offer safe haven to those whose lights of freedom have been extinguished.” She said, “I look forward to welcoming them to our great country.”
In addition, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, “We have made it clear that we will not stand aside when it comes to Hong Kong. We will fulfill our historic responsibility to the people of Hong Kong. China’s imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong is a clear and serious breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and a violation of international law.” He said, “With the introduction of this new visa route, BNO citizens now have the option to come and live, work and study in the UK.” The statement said, “The UK government is working with civil society groups and others to welcome BNO status holders to all parts of the UK and help them integrate into society.”
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