Instant International
Written by: Yang Chinese
2021-01-30 04:12
Last update date: 2021-01-30 05:15
The British government announced on January 29 that Hong Kong's British citizen (overseas) passport (BNO) holders would provide a visa program, which aroused the dissatisfaction of the Chinese government and announced that it would not recognize BNO as a travel document.
The London side was not surprised by Beijing's actions, and at the same time, they were not surprised, emphasizing that Britain will not change its position.
A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office said that he was disappointed by the Chinese government's decision not to recognize BNO, but he was not surprised.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office pointed out that the British government has made it clear that it will not ignore the opportunities for BNO holders to live, work and study in the UK.
The statement mentioned that BNO holders and family members can still use documents other than BNO to travel to the UK.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said earlier on the same day that he had fulfilled the profound historical connection and friendship between the British and Hong Kong people, and defended the freedom and autonomy that Britain and Hong Kong also cherished.
He also considered himself as a Hong Kong BNO holder, and he was very proud of bringing a new path to local life, work and home.
The UK Home Office estimates that at least 120,000 BNO holders and their dependants are expected to enter the UK on BNO visas in the first year.
(AP)
Home Secretary Priti Patel emphasized that the United Kingdom has always adhered to the right thing and abiding by its promises. The new visa will honor its promises to Hong Kong people, fulfill its deep historical ties with Hong Kong people, and defend the freedom of Hong Kong people.
She looks forward to welcoming Hong Kong people who want to take root and build a new life in the UK with their families.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab pointed out that Britain will fulfill its historical responsibilities to Hong Kong people and reiterated that China's implementation of the "Hong Kong National Security Act" is a serious violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and is contrary to international law.
According to estimates by the British Home Office, 123,000 to 153,700 BNO holders and their dependants are expected to use this route to enter the UK in the first year of implementation, and then increase to 258,000 to 322,400 in five years.
BNO holders and eligible family members who have biometric BNO passports, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports or European Economic Area passports can apply through the mobile application from February 23 without having to go to the Visa Application Center.
The British government stated that between July 15, 2020 and January 13, 2021, about 7,000 BNO holders and supporters entered the local area with "Leave Outside the Rules" (LOTR).
BNO holders do not need to apply for residence through the "5+1" route immediately.
The government has decided to extend the program until the "5+1" application is fully digitalized.
According to the latest "5+1" policy in the UK, BNO holders and eligible family members can live, study and work in the UK, apply for residence after five years, and apply for naturalization after one year.
In addition to the immigration medical surcharge, the cost of a BNO visa for five years in the UK is 250 pounds per person. Applicants can also apply for 30 months in the UK at a cost of 180 pounds per person.
According to the government, the fee is less than other visas.
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BNO British National (Overseas) Passport Boris Johnson China-UK Relations