#UKParliament Denies Amendments to Expand #BNO #Visa to Hong Kong Youths
On December 6, 2021, pro-democracy activists - who fled Hong Kong amidst National Security threat and are now residing in UK - gathered outside the government house on Downing Street in London.
The group urged the passage of proposed amendments to the Borders and Nationality Bill to extend the eligibility of BNO visas to cover youngsters in Hong Kong who were bornafter the 1997 Handover.
Initiated by former Deputy Prime Minister #DamianGreen and supported by more than 20 cross-party MPs, the amendment bill aimed to allow those between the ages of 18 to 24 who have at least one parent with BNO status to claim that status in the UK, without being accompanied by their parent.
Several members of the Parliament and high-profile public figures attended the gathering to show their support. They include #AlynSmith MP, #AfzalKhan MP, #NusGhani MP, author and media veteran #EdwardLucas, #HongKongWatch CEO #BenedictRogers and Hong Kong Watch Senior policy advisor #SamGoodman.
Deliberated in the Parliament, the proposed amendment, unfortunately was rejected on December 8, 2021, as UK’s immigration minister #KevinFoster considered the expansion "too broad".
Foster claimed that alternative ways for those ineligibles to apply for BNO include student visa or working holiday.
Source: Harbour of Freedom, #Dec6; Stand News, #Dec8
https://thestandnews.page.link/My2AEzNN2yisKFEG8
On December 6, 2021, pro-democracy activists - who fled Hong Kong amidst National Security threat and are now residing in UK - gathered outside the government house on Downing Street in London.
The group urged the passage of proposed amendments to the Borders and Nationality Bill to extend the eligibility of BNO visas to cover youngsters in Hong Kong who were bornafter the 1997 Handover.
Initiated by former Deputy Prime Minister #DamianGreen and supported by more than 20 cross-party MPs, the amendment bill aimed to allow those between the ages of 18 to 24 who have at least one parent with BNO status to claim that status in the UK, without being accompanied by their parent.
Several members of the Parliament and high-profile public figures attended the gathering to show their support. They include #AlynSmith MP, #AfzalKhan MP, #NusGhani MP, author and media veteran #EdwardLucas, #HongKongWatch CEO #BenedictRogers and Hong Kong Watch Senior policy advisor #SamGoodman.
Deliberated in the Parliament, the proposed amendment, unfortunately was rejected on December 8, 2021, as UK’s immigration minister #KevinFoster considered the expansion "too broad".
Foster claimed that alternative ways for those ineligibles to apply for BNO include student visa or working holiday.
Source: Harbour of Freedom, #Dec6; Stand News, #Dec8
https://thestandnews.page.link/My2AEzNN2yisKFEG8