UK Realizes Special Visa Program For Hong Kong, This Is China's Reaction

Illustration. (Blake Guidry / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the special UK visa scheme for holders of British National Overseas (BNO) Hong Kong passports which began to be realized on Sunday, January 31 the day after tomorrow.

The program, which was launched in 2020, gives eligible Hong Kong citizens the opportunity to have British citizenship. This program was launched, in line with the issuance of the New Security Law by the Chinese Government which met with great opposition in Hong Kong.

Later, with the granted visa, after they have lived, studied and worked in the UK for five consecutive years they can apply for citizenship.

"I am very proud that we have brought this new path for Hong Kong BN (O) to live, work and make their home in our country," Johnson said in a statement.

Britain sees this as fulfilling a historical and moral commitment to the Hong Kong people, as China violated the terms of surrender by issuing a New Security Act that silences dissent.

"In doing so, we respect our deep historical ties and friendship with the Hong Kong people, and we have defended freedom and autonomy, values that the UK and Hong Kong uphold," explained PM Johnson.

China says the path to citizenship is a violation of international law and interferes with its internal affairs. However, in the past, Hong Kong was a colony of the British Commonwealth.

The strong response was immediately issued by China. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a statement Friday January 29 that they would not recognize British National Overseas (BNO) passports for valid identification starting January 31.