U.K. Ready To Disburse Millions Of Pounds For Migrants On Special Visas From Hong Kong

Hong Kong protesters reject the New Security Act. (Wikimedia Commons/Studio Incendo)

JAKARTA - The United Kingdom is ready to spend around 43 million pounds, or about 59 million U.S. dollars, to help people coming from Hong Kong to find work, home and school.

This assistance is for those under the British initiative, which allows millions of Hong Kongers to settle in the UK, following the enactment of the New Security Act by China in the former British colony.

This is inseparable from Beijing's increasing dispute with Hong Kong, regarding beijing's reform efforts, but complained by Hong Kongers, especially pro-democracy activists. The UK also opened the door for more than 5 million people to live, study and work, before applying to become citizens.

Most of the money, announced on Thursday, will be used by local authorities for assistance programs with English support and housing costs for newcomers. The government will also launch 12 virtual regional offices to provide assistance with tasks such as applying for health care and schools.

Not only that, this 'Welcome Hub' will also provide advice on how to set up a business in the UK for migrants from Hong Kong.

"This programme will ensure UK National (Overseas) or BNO status holders and their families have the best start as soon as they arrive. With support to help them find homes, schools for their children, opportunity and prosperity," Said Minister for Housing, Community and Local Government of Uk Communities Robert Jenrick, told Reuters Thursday 8 April.

Britain says china's New Security Law and democratic reforms in Hong Kong have violated the terms of the treaty, when Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997. The ministers said the BNO's special visa program was a way of honoring his party in the deal.

China reacted strongly to the British offer, saying the West's view of its actions over Hong Kong was obscured by misinformation.

Since its launch in January, about 27,000 people have applied for this special visa until March 19. Although the overall estimate of demand is uncertain, the government estimates between 258,000 and 322,000 applicants over five years.

The program is open to 2.9 million people classed as British Citizens (Overseas) or BNO, special status specifically related to Hong Kong, and 2.3 million other eligible dependents.