Beijing threatens to stop recognising Hong Kong BN(O) passports in retaliation for British offer to city residents
- Central government lashes out at London move paving the way for millions of Hongkongers to settle in Britain
- Beijing response will do little to put off those wanting to emigrate, say observers who see UK’s offer as more generous than expected
The British Home Secretary Priti Patel on Wednesday revealed that Hongkongers with BN(O) papers wishing to move to the United Kingdom would be exempt from its income threshold requirements and allowed to stay for up to five years, at which point they could apply for full citizenship.
The move infuriated Beijing, as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman accused London on Thursday of meddling in China’s internal affairs.
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UK unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers with BN(O) passport holders
“The British side has ignored the solemn representation lodged by China, deliberately resorting to political manipulation on the issue of BN(O), openly defying its pledges and violating international law and fundamental principles,” spokesman Wang Wenbin told a daily press briefing in Beijing.