Published 20:14 IST, July 23rd 2020
China calls UK citizenship route for Hong Kong residents violation of international law
China expressed grave concerns and lodged strong opposition to the decision of the British government, threatening to take “effective counter-measures”.
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Chinese embassy in London said UK policy of providing a pathway to citizenship to British National (Overseas) living in Hong Kong violates international law and basic rms governing international relations. embassy expressed grave concerns and lodged strong opposition to decision of British government, threatening to take “effective counter-measures”.
On July 22, UK Home Office released a policy statement on new immigration arrangements for BN(O) citizens and ir dependents. It will create an immigration route for BN(O) and ir immediate family members, to move to UK to work and study. government decided to open this new immigration route after China arbitrarily implemented draconian national security law.
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significant change in immigration system is aimed to allow BN(O) citizens to apply for two periods of 30 months’ leave or 5 years’ leave, giving m a path to full British citizenship. It will also enable those born after July 1, 1997, to a BN(O) registered parent to apply to come to UK. Anuncing decision, Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“ UK has a strong historic relationship with people of Hong Kong and we are keeping our promise to m to uphold ir freedoms. BN(O) citizens will w have a choice to come and live, work and study in UK, building a new life for m and ir family.”
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'Immediately correct mistakes'
Conveniently igring its commitment to Si-Britsh joint declaration over Hong Kong, Chinese embassy said that UK has explicitly pledged that BN(O) passport holders residing in Hong Kong shall t have right of abode in UK. It added that Britain latest decision over Hong Kong seriously goes against its own promises, interfering in China's internal affairs.
“ Chinese side urges UK side to recognize fact that Hong Kong is part of China..immediately correct its mistakes and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs, in any form. Such interference will be self-defeating,” it concluded.
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20:14 IST, July 23rd 2020