The United Kingdom has announced further relaxation of immigration regulations for residents of Hong Kong seeking resettlement, citing concerns over the recent enactment of the Article 23 national security law, which has led to heightened crackdowns on dissent within the region.
Under the updated guidelines published on the Home Office website, individuals interested in applying for the British National Overseas (BNO) visa, a pathway to long-term residency and potential citizenship, are now permitted to travel to the United Kingdom before submitting their application.
According to the revised rules, applicants can now apply for a BNO visa from within the UK if they are present as visitors, are in possession of a different visa and wish to switch to a BNO visa, or have lodged an asylum claim.
Additionally, the new regulations state that some unsuccessful applicants may be granted a period of up to 12 months to remain in the UK, during which they can demonstrate their ability to financially support themselves, potentially enabling them to secure employment and reapply for residency.
The recently enacted Safeguarding National Security bill, which was passed on March 19 under Article 23 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law, imposes severe penalties including life imprisonment for offenses such as treason, insurrection, sabotage, and espionage, as well as 20 years for acts of sedition. Furthermore, individuals fleeing abroad may face the revocation of their Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports.
London-based human rights organization Hong Kong Watch has raised concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation in the city following the implementation of the new law. They highlighted instances such as the denial of early release for activist Ma Chun-man, also known as “Captain America,” and the dissolution of the opposition Civic Party.
In response to the escalating situation in Hong Kong, the British government has implemented measures to facilitate assistance from public funds for Hong Kong applicants and relaxed rules allowing more partners to join them in the UK.
Commenting on the new rules, an immigration consultant from the British advocacy group Hong Kong Aid, identified only as Chow, emphasized the significance of the changes, particularly for individuals facing urgent political circumstances in Hong Kong.
Despite the positive implications of the revised regulations, concerns remain about potential repercussions from Hong Kong authorities for individuals attempting to apply for the BNO visa. Chow warned against misleading immigration officials about the purpose of their visit to the UK on tourist visas, urging transparency about their intentions to apply for a BNO visa upon arrival.
Since the inception of the BNO visa program, approximately 191,000 individuals have applied, according to government statistics released in November.
Meanwhile, authorities in Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing the processing of permanent residency applications from Hong Kong residents under the Hong Kong Pathway program. This announcement follows complaints about extended waiting times for some applicants.
In a statement dated April 2, Hong Kong Watch urged the Canadian government to enhance its capacity to handle the influx of applications and streamline the extension process for work permit holders under the Hong Kong Pathway program.
Furthermore, the organization called on the UK government to grant BNO visa holders access to lower university tuition fees available to domestic students after three years of residency.