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Pathway to UK Citizenship Now Open to Millions of Hong Kongers
31 Jan 2021
(AFP) A new visa scheme offering millions of Hong Kongers a pathway to British citizenship went live on Sunday as the city’s former colonial master opens its doors to those wanting to escape China’s crackdown on dissent.
Anyone with a British National (Overseas) passport and their dependents can now apply online for a visa allowing them to live and work in the United Kingdom. After five years, they can apply for citizenship.
The immigration scheme is a response to Beijing’s decision last year to impose a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong to snuff out huge and often violent democracy protests.
Hong Kong BN(O): Beijing blasts Britain as application process begins; families torn between moving together or leaving one parent behind to make money
As the scheme kicked off on Sunday, some families were deciding whether to head to Britain together or have one adult remain to continue earning money
Some are worried about breaking up the household, but finding a job after arriving is far from certain
Special UK visa scheme for millions of Hong Kong residents from today
China has reacted with fury to the visa offer.
(Bloomberg)Premium
. Updated: 31 Jan 2021, 06:33 AM IST AFP
Under UK s new visa scheme, those hoping to move have to show they have enough funds to sustain both themselves and their dependents for at least six months.
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A new visa scheme offering millions of Hong Kongers a pathway to British citizenship will go live later on Sunday as the city s former colonial master opens its doors to those wanting to escape China s crackdown on dissent.
From Sunday afternoon, anyone with a British National (Overseas) passport and their dependents will be able to apply online for a visa allowing them to live and work in the United Kingdom. After five years they can then apply for British.
A new visa scheme offering millions of Hong Kongers a pathway to British citizenship will go live later on Sunday as the city's former colonial master opens its doors to those wanting to escape China's crackdown on dissent.