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Written by: Chen Shuxia
2020-07-24 10:12
Last update date: 2020-07-24 10:12The United Kingdom recently announced that Hong Kong citizens who are eligible to apply for a British National Overseas Passport (BNO) can apply for residence and naturalization arrangements from January next year. China has expressed its firm opposition to considering not recognizing BNO as a valid travel document, and reserves to take further measures right.
The former Secretary of the Security Bureau Ye Liu Shuyi believes that the Hong Kong government needs to follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ approach or restrict airlines from buying air tickets with BNO passports, but this has no effect on entry into Hong Kong and the right of abode. Those who apply for British citizenship with BNO must obtain British citizenship. Only then is it possible to no longer be issued a SAR passport. She also believes that there is no need for interpretation, "no need for big moves."
"Return to Hong Kong with the right of abode"
The former Secretary of the Security Bureau and current member of the guild, Ip Liu Shuyi, said in an interview with the commercial channel program "Departing on a Sunny Day" today (24) that the 350,000 people who currently hold BNO will have no problem going to Europe, but if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announcing that it does not recognize BNO, the SAR government needs to follow suit. If further measures are taken, including notifying airlines, travel agencies and foreign envoys, it is required to hold valid documents other than BNO when entering Hong Kong. Holders of BNO may fail to purchase air tickets. But she pointed out that once Hong Kong people who have the right of abode board the plane, "the right of abode in the SAR will actually return."
When asked whether it would leave the international impression that Hong Kong no longer welcomes BNO holders, she pointed out that "it is not welcome", but the steps should be the same as that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Usually Hong Kong people are smart and will do it in close proximity. Be prepared, there will be no major problems, but there will be inconveniences." She added that most Hong Kong people have several passports, or SAR passports, and they can choose them at the right time.
Ip Liu Shuyi said that if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that it does not recognize BNO, the SAR government must follow the approach. I believe it will not affect most Hong Kong people holding SAR passports by then. (Profile picture / Photo by Luo Junhao)
You will lose Chinese nationality if you acquire British citizenship
Will there be a chance of not being issued a SAR passport? She pointed out that China’s "Nationality Law" does not recognize dual nationality. However, China handled Hong Kong leniently and had an agreement with the United Kingdom, thus recognizing the status of BNO, but now the United Kingdom regrets the agreement, "You do the first year of junior high, I do the 15th." She pointed out that according to Article 9 of China’s Nationality Law, Chinese citizens residing abroad who voluntarily join or acquire foreign nationality will automatically lose their Chinese nationality. If Hong Kong citizens take this new path to naturalize, they will be classified as losing China. When the passport expires, no SAR passport will be issued.
Will not lose permanent resident status
Will they lose their permanent resident status in Hong Kong? She pointed out that there are two different things. Hong Kong law stipulates that anyone who has lived for 7 years can have the right of abode. Even if a Hong Kong citizen becomes a naturalized foreigner, he only needs to return to Hong Kong once every three years to meet the right of abode requirement.
Believe no interpretation
I was asked if there will be a chance to explain the law in the future? Mrs. Ye believes that "there is no need to make big moves" because if a single nationality is implemented, the impact will be great. She also mentioned that before 1997, for those holding two passports, "both eyes are open and only eyes closed."
As for the next step of the Chinese or British side, she estimated that "in terms of nationality (both Chinese and British sides) take one step", I believe it is almost the same.
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