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Explainer | What is a BN(O) passport, who in Hong Kong is eligible and how will holders be affected by London’s plan to relax visa rules?
- Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to overhaul Britain’s visa system to accommodate the city’s residents
- There has been a rush to renew BN(O) documents amid China’s plans for a new security law for the city
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After Beijing adopted a resolution last week paving the way for a new national security law to be enacted in Hong Kong, Britain announced that it would be allowing Hongkongers eligible for a British National (Overseas) passport to stay in the country for 12 months, potentially putting them on the path to citizenship.
Residents of the city concerned about the implications of the national security legislation have rushed to renew their documents, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday vowed to overhaul Britain’s visa system to accommodate Hongkongers.
Earlier, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told parliament the UK had been discussing “burden sharing” with the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to handle an exodus of Hongkongers.
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In this article, the Post looks at what a BN(O) passport is, and what rights its holder might have following the British authorities’ announcements.
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Boris Johnson vows to change visa system for Hongkongers under national security law
Boris Johnson vows to change visa system for Hongkongers under national security law
What is a BN(O) passport, and who is eligible for one?
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