Question: A few days ago, the UK Government announced a £43 million programme to support families from Hong Kong arriving in the UK on the BN(O) visa route to access employment, housing and education. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK?

Embassy Spokesperson: The position of Chinese side regarding the issue of BN(O) status has been made clear to the UK side on many occasions.

China and the UK exchanged an MOU on this issue in which the UK side explicitly promised that BN(O) passport holders who are Chinese citizens residing in Hong Kong shall not have the right of abode in the UK. The UK side is now changing the relevant arrangement unilaterally, which not only goes against its own pledges but also interferes in Hong Kong affairs which are China’s internal affairs. The Chinese side expresses its grave concern and firm opposition, has announced that BN(O) passport is no longer recognized as a valid document for travel or identification, and reserves the right to take further measures.

Playing up the BN(O) issue and attempting to turn some Hong Kong residents into second-class British “citizens” are nothing but hypocritical political manipulation that is doomed to failure. The Chinese side urges the UK side to wake up to the reality and major trend, and stop such political manipulation. The UK, with its grave racial discrimination and other social problems, is far from a paradise. It has been brought to our attention that there are many reports about Hong Kong residents being discriminated and living in distress after coming to the UK. The Chinese Embassy in the UK has received requests for consular assistance in relation to such cases. It is hoped that the UK will focus on solving its own problems, rather than stirring up trouble and misleading the public.