Opinion | What are the real intentions behind the BN(O) visa offer to Hongkongers: altruism or self-interest?

The Five Eyes’ narrative was that the national security law would crush freedom, and that they would offer a safe haven to the oppressed. But their linking of the issue to Xinjiang suggests they are more interested in targeting Beijing

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A poster promoting the national security law is displayed on Hong Kong City Hall on September 5. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 3:15pm, 7 Feb 2021Updated: 3:18pm, 7 Feb 2021

The introduction by the British government of a pathway to citizenship for Hongkongers holding BN(O) status has generated much excitement and interest both in Britain and locally. As many as 5.4 million could, in theory, be eligible and estimates as to how many may apply range from 200,000 to several million.

How many will actually choose to move there instead of to one of the more traditional emigration destinations (the US, Canada, Australia) is another variable. Numbers on this scale have inevitably attracted international attention.

Looked at closely, the scheme is not nearly as generous as it appears at first sight. As I have pointed out in this column before, Hong Kong people at one time had the right to settle in Britain without fuss. This right was gradually stripped away by a series of amendments to British nationality law.

The new package requires a series of hefty fees to be paid for residence, followed by a wait of six years before an application can be made for British citizenship.

Given the current state of the British economy with the full horrors of Brexit still to work their way through, many will find the going tough, especially with regard to employment. At least the new path does allow people to work while waiting to complete the process, which is an improvement over previous proposals.

Older hands will recall that before the Portuguese withdrew from Macau, they offered full European Union citizenship to residents. Macau students were then able to study at British universities paying only “home” fees, while Hong Kong students had to pay the much higher “overseas” rates.