The authorities has prolonged its visa route from Hong Kong to permit younger folks born after the handover to China to return to the UK.
Home Secretary Priti Patel mentioned these born after 1997 who’re over 18 and with not less than one father or mother holding British National (Overseas) standing will be capable to get a visa to reside, work and examine right here.
She mentioned: “I’m delighted that thanks to the scheme we introduced, thousands of Hong Kongers have already made the UK their home and integrated into communities across the country.
“The additional adjustments I’ve introduced, which is able to come into impact this autumn, will proceed to ship on our historic and ethical dedication to the folks of Hong Kong.”
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The visa route for BN(O)s and their dependents was launched final yr after the imposition of a controversial new safety regulation in Hong Kong by China, which has since been described by the UK as means to “crush dissent” towards Beijing.
The authorities mentioned the regulation, geared toward clamping down on a pro-democracy motion and resulting in violent clashes between protesters and the police, was a breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration – the deal that noticed Hong Kong move again to China from Britain in 1997.
Just below three million folks have been eligible for the brand new route from January 2021, and to this point 123,400 have utilized, with 113,742 visas granted.
The Home Office mentioned this new extension, which might additionally permit for his or her dependents to hitch them, would let an additional 11,700 folks to return to the UK in the event that they select.
As with different visas, after 5 years they will be capable to apply for settled standing, and after an additional 12 months, they are going to be capable to apply for British citizenship.
Ms Patel added: “I know the British people will continue to welcome more Hong Kongers and help them rebuild their lives free from fear.”
The BNO passport was issued to Hong Kongers when it was a British colony and permits them to go to the nation for an prolonged interval, however doesn’t provide them citizenship rights.
After the visa scheme was introduced, Beijing mentioned it could now not recognise the BN(O) passport, however whereas important, it was a largely symbolic transfer that ought to not cease Hong Kongers from leaving.
Source: information.sky.com”