China "No Longer" Recognises British-Issued Hong Kong Passports

Friday, 29 January 2021Newsdesk

China on Friday said it will "no longer recognise" the British National (Overseas) passport for Hong Kongers, as Britain prepares to open its doors to millions of more residents of the former colony following a security crackdown by Beijing. The Chinese move follows a promise by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government to provide long-term sanctuary for Hong Kong residents who want to leave the territory.

New Delhi, 29 January 2021

Holders of British National (Overseas) status -- a legacy of UK rule over Hong Kong up to 1997 -- will from Sunday be able to apply to live and work in Britain for up to five years, and eventually seek citizenship. "I am immensely proud that we have brought in this new route for Hong Kong BNOs to live, work and make their home in our country," Johnson said in a statement. BNO passport holders previously had only limited rights to visit the UK for up to six months, and no right to work or settle.

Source -NDTV