[Hong Kong version of the National Security Act] The United Kingdom announced the BNO naturalization method for Hong Kong residents. All family members of the holder are eligible!

The "Hong Kong National Security Act" was officially implemented in Hong Kong, and the British government responded that it would provide BNO holders with a way to apply for becoming a British citizen. After the implementation of the relevant plan, the British side will provide BNO holders with a 5-year limited residence permit to work or study locally. After the 5-year period expires, they can apply for permanent residence and can apply for citizenship after living for an additional 12 months.

Johnson: Hong Kong version of National Security Act violates Sino-British Joint Declaration

British Prime Minister Johnson responded in a parliamentary question and answer on July 1, stating that the "Hong Kong version of the National Security Act" seriously violates the Sino-British Joint Declaration and is in direct conflict with Hong Kong's Basic Law. It was previously said that once China implements the "Hong Kong version of the National Security Act," the British side will provide BNO holders with a way to become a British citizen.

Family members of BNO holders are eligible applicants

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab talked about the new policy on the same day. BNO holders will be exempted from the limitation of staying only for 6 months and will be granted a 5-year limited residence permit. Holders can work or study locally during their stay. After the five-year period expires, they can apply for permanent residence, and they can apply for citizenship after living for an additional 12 months. Dominic Raab also pointed out that the new policy plan does not set an application limit, and the family members of BNO holders in Hong Kong are also eligible applicants for the new policy.

The National People’s Congress passed the "Hong Kong National Security Act" last week. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson published an article in Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post today, stating that if Beijing resolutely implements the "Hong Kong National Security Act" in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom is ready to change its immigration policy , will allow all BNO holders (about 2.9 million people) and their dependents to travel to the UK to obtain further immigration rights, including working locally and obtaining British citizenship.

In an article in the South China Morning Post, Johnson stated that Hong Kong's success depends on the freedom of the people, who can pursue their dreams, express their views publicly, and have independent laws of court. If the "Hong Kong National Security Law" is enforced, the freedom of Hong Kong people will be restricted and Hong Kong's autonomy will be greatly weakened, directly contradicting the "Sino-British Joint Declaration."

British Prime Minister Johnson stated that he is ready to change the immigration policy to allow BNO holders to extend their visas, and described the relevant practice as one of the biggest changes in the UK visa system in the past. He hopes that he will not come to this point! But if it proves necessary, the British government will and is willing to provide another option for Hong Kong people who are worried about their lifestyle.

Johnson pointed out that there are about 350,000 people holding BNO in Hong Kong and another 2.5 million people are eligible to apply. Once the "Hong Kong National Security Act" is implemented, the United Kingdom will revise immigration measures and extend visas for Hong Kong residents holding BNO. The increase from 6 months to 12 months, and allows BNO holders to work locally, as a way to obtain citizenship.

The second reading of the bill in the British House of Commons on September 11

The National People's Congress opened today. It is reported that one of the agendas is to review the draft decision on "Establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security" ("Hong Kong National Security Act"). Alistair Carmichael, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party of the United Kingdom, is also concerned about the "Hong Kong National Security Act". He reposted a post from the British human rights organization "Hong Kong Surveillance" on his personal social network. An unprecedented attack on Hong Kong's autonomy.

Strive for the "Hong Kong Bill" to restart BNO applications and establish the right of abode for BNO holders

The British Foreign Office spoke on the "fugitive offenders Ordinance" controversy last year, stating that the "Sino-British Joint Declaration" is a legally binding treaty and is still in force. As one of the signatories, the United Kingdom will continue to defend its position. The Liberal Democratic Party of the United Kingdom has always supported the equal rights of the BNO. It feels that China has undermined the principle of the "Sino-British Joint Declaration" and weakened Hong Kong's democratic system. It hopes to restart the BNO application by promoting the "Hong Kong Bill" and establish the right of abode for BNO holders. .

Earlier, Alistair Carmichael, a member of the British Liberal Democrats, proposed the "Hong Kong Bill 2019-21" in the House of Commons. The bill was passed on the first reading on February 25 and was originally scheduled for second reading review on June 12. Postponed to September 11, the meeting process can be viewed on the official website of the British Parliament.