China takes issue with British visa policy for Hongkongers, threatens to stop recognising BN(O) passports

Name: UK unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers with BN(O) passport holders
Uploaded: 2020-10-23T09:32:10.000Z
Duration: 3 min 14 s
Description: UK unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers with BN(O) passport holders

Beijing hits back after Britain announces creation of new special class of visa for Hongkongers holding a British National (Overseas) passport

China sounds warning against meddling in its affairs

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Britain has said it will create a special pathway to full citizenship for holders of the British National (Overseas) passport in Hong Kong. Photo: Nora Tam

Tony Cheung

Published: 5:32pm, 23 Oct 2020Updated: 12:39pm, 2 Feb 2021

China’s foreign ministry has doubled down on its threat to stop recognising BN(O) passports, a day after Britain issued more details on advancing plans to open its doors to eligible Hongkongers.

The British government is set to create a special class of visa for Hong Kong holders of British National (Overseas) passports as the first step in a new pathway to earning the right of abode in the country and full British citizenship.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, there would be no cap on the number of BN(O) passport holders allowed to take part, and applications would open on January 31, 2021. Close family members of passport holders would also be eligible for the visas.

“The imposition of the national security law on Hong Kong marked a clear erosion of the rights and freedoms for the people of this city. This new route to the UK is part of our commitment to the people of Hong Kong,” Andrew Heyn, the British consul to Hong Kong, said.

In a press briefing on Friday, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian was asked if Beijing would take retaliatory measures or stop BN(O) passport holders from leaving Hong Kong.

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UK unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers with BN(O) passport holders

“The Chinese government has repeatedly made clear its strong stance on this issue, but the British side has insisted on … interfering with Hong Kong affairs and China’s domestic issues. It is only moving a rock to hit its own feet,” he said.

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