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Explainer | BN(O) ticket: Britain opens doors to Hong Kong residents, but not everyone can walk in, and it’s not cost-free
- Hong Kong and Beijing have declared they will no longer recognise BN(O) passports, as war of words between China and Britain rages
- Row centres on pathway to citizenship offered by London through special visa scheme for Hongkongers with BN(O) status
Reading Time:6 minutes
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From Sunday, Hong Kong residents considering moving to Britain can start applying for a special visa that opens a new pathway to immigration and citizenship there.
Britain made it easier for Hongkongers to leave after Beijing imposed a wide-ranging national security law on the city last June, outlawing acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and interference by foreign forces.
Some Hongkongers have already moved, while others are reported to have sold their homes in the city as they prepare to take up the British government’s offer.
Beijing followed through on threats to retaliate against Britain for the scheme on Friday, announcing it would no longer recognise British National (Overseas) passports as valid travel and identification documents, and warning of further actions to come. The Hong Kong government later echoed Beijing’s views.
The Post looks at the key issues for those contemplating moving to Britain, including various charges imposed, and possible retaliation by Beijing, as well as the consequences of the local and state governments’ announcements.
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BN(O) passport holders flee Hong Kong for new life in the UK, fearing Beijing’s tightening control
BN(O) passport holders flee Hong Kong for new life in the UK, fearing Beijing’s tightening control
What is Britain offering Hongkongers?
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