Britain has pledged 43 million pounds (about $59 million) to help people from Hong Kong find jobs, housing and schools. The plan allows millions of people to resettle after the Communist Party imposed new security laws in Hong Kong.
As the spat between Britain and the Chinese Communist Party over Hong Kong’s reforms escalates, Britain has opened the door to more than 5 million people, offering them the chance to live and work in Hong Kong and eventually apply for British citizenship.
Most of the money announced on Thursday (April 7) will be used by the local government for programs to help with English language support and housing costs for newcomers. The government will also launch 12 virtual regional offices to help with tasks such as registering for health care and schools.
The “welcome centers” will also provide advice on how to set up businesses in the United Kingdom.
British Communities Minister Robert Jenrick said, “This project will ensure that British National (Overseas) Passport (BNO) holders and their families get the best possible start on arrival in the UK and help them find homes, schools for their children, opportunities and prosperity.”
Britain says the security laws and democratic reforms imposed on Hong Kong by the Chinese Communist Party violate the terms of a 1997 agreement to hand the semi-autonomous city back to China. Ministers say the visa program is a way to fulfill the agreement.
The Communist Party has reacted angrily to the offer and said Western perceptions of China’s actions on Hong Kong have been influenced by misinformation and the legacy of empire.
As of March 19, some 27,000 people had applied for the new visas since they were introduced in January. While estimates of overall demand are uncertain, the government expects the number of applicants to range from 258,000 to 322,000 over the next five years.
The program is open to 2.9 million BNO passports and 2.3 million eligible dependents, a special status specifically associated with Hong Kong.
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