Hong Kong: British Nationals Overseas visa scheme opens

A new visa scheme allowing some Hong Kong residents the chance to live in the UK came into force yesterday.

An estimated 300,000 Hongkongers are expected to take advantage of the scheme, which allows British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong and their dependents a route to residency and eventual citizenship in the UK.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the British National (Overseas) visa scheme – which was announced in the wake of Beijing’s national security law being imposed on Hong Kong last year – honours the “profound ties of history and friendship” between the UK and its former colony.

The BN(O) status was created before the UK handed responsibility for Hong Kong back to China in July 1997.

Under the new scheme, those with BN(O) status will be eligible for UK visas, then, after five years, they will be able to apply for settlement, followed by British citizenship after a further 12 months.

Mr Johnson said: “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.”

However, the Chinese government has criticised the scheme, announcing on Friday it will no longer recognise the BN(O) passport as a valid travel document or form of identification.

Riot police in the Central district, Hong Kong, in May.