UK could offer 'path to citizenship' for Hong Kong's British passport holders

The UK could offer British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong a path to citizenship if China does not suspend plans for a security law in the territory, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says.

The law, making it a crime to undermine Beijing's authority, prompted fears Hong Kong's unique status could end.

China said it reserved the right to take "counter-measures" against the UK.

There are 2.9m people in Hong Kong eligible for the passport.

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the UK and China had agreed that holders of British National (Overseas) - or BNO - passports should not enjoy UK residency.

"All such BNO passport holders are Chinese nationals and if the UK insists on changing this practice it will not only violate its own stance but also international law," he added.

There are 300,000 BNO passport holders in Hong Kong who already have the right to visit the UK for up to six months without a visa.

But the Home Office confirmed that the proposed new rights, allowing those eligible to spend 12 months in the UK without a visa, could be offered to anyone with BNO status as long as they applied for and were granted the passport - opening it up to 2.9m Hong Kong residents.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was "deeply concerned" at China's proposals for legislation related to national security in Hong Kong.

In a statement, she said: "If China imposes this law, we will explore options to allow British Nationals Overseas to apply for leave to stay in the UK, including a path to citizenship.

"We will continue to defend the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52842303?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Binforadio%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D
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UK could offer 'path to citizenship' for Hong Kong's British passport holders

UK could offer 'path to citizenship' for Hong Kong's British passport holders

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