How many Hong Kong residents can apply for UK citizenship?

How many Hong Kong residents can apply for UK citizenship?

Up to three million Hong Kong residents are to be offered the chance to settle in the UK and ultimately apply for citizenship, Boris Johnson has said. The PM said Hong Kong’s freedoms were being violated by a new security law and those affected would be offered a “route” out of the former UK colony.

How long does it take to immigrate to UK from Hong Kong?

After five years they can apply to settle in the UK, and for citizenship after a further 12 months. The route was launched in response to a harsh new national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the Chinese government.

Can British citizens with Hong Kong passport travel to UK?

In the meantime, British National Overseas Passport holders in Hong Kong will be able to travel to the UK immediately, subject to standard immigration checks, the prime minister’s official spokesman said. They will also will not face salary thresholds to gain their visas, he added.

What does Hong Kong’s new national security law mean for You?

Hong Kong’s new national security law, which targets secession, subversion and terrorism with punishments up to life in prison, came into effect on Tuesday. I was born in Hong Kong before 1997, the year when Hong Kong was handed back to Chinese rule.

Who can apply for a British passport in Hong Kong?

The British offer is not for all residents of Hong Kong, but only those holding a British National Overseas (BNO) passport. Only those born before the 1997 handover of the territory to China have the right to hold one.

Can Hong Kongers with a BNO passport get British citizenship?

When the news broke that BNO passport holders were eligible for British citizenship after living and working in the UK for five years, and after spending another year of being granted settled status, many of my friends were excited. They say at least there’s a way out for Hong Kongers after the national security law came into force.

What are the new immigration laws for the UK?

Under the government’s plans, all British Overseas Nationals and their dependants will be given right to remain in the UK, including the right to work and study, for five years. At this point, they will be able to apply for settled status, and after a further year, seek citizenship.

Why has China told Britain to ‘immediately correct its mistakes’?

China has told Britain to “immediately correct its mistakes” after the UK reaffirmed its plan to offer a route to British citizenship to almost three million people living there. The offer was made in July when Beijing imposed a strict national security law on the former British colony.