The United Kingdom is preparing to welcome possibly tens of thousands of migrants from Hong Kong.
Last year, China levied a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong that critics say has exposed the city of its autonomy and social freedoms. Since then, many prominent activists and politicians have fled, while others have begun quietly arranging to move abroad.
The law carries a maximum life imprisonment sentence.
The UK government declared it would provide a new pathway to residency for holders of British National (Overseas) passports. These rules were introduced in the concluding years of British rule over Hong Kong. They permit residents to hold onto a degree of British citizenship. But do not give any long term right of habitat in the UK.
Soon after it was projected, the UK government declared it would provide a new pathway to residency for holders of British National (Overseas) passports. The laws were introduced in the concluding years of British rule over Hong Kong.
Under the new program, those with BN(O) status and their entitled household members can travel to the UK to live, study and work. They can become eligible for settlement in the UK after five years, and nationality after 12 months.
Prime Minister’s statement
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said by taking this move, “We have honoured our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong. We have stood up for freedom and autonomy — values both the UK and Hong Kong hold dear.”
Fleeing overseas does not always equivalent absolute freedom. Law and other exiles have complained of being followed and even harassed by people they believe are agents of the Chinese government.
Beijing’s representatives have denied this charge. They are also fractional in what communications they can have with family and friends back in Hong Kong.
Most BN(O) holders living in the UK are unlikely to be monitored in this way. But the intense political environment around the new scheme may make it difficult to return. Especially for those who decide they do not want to stay in Britain.