Trudeau Visa for Hong Kongers Gets Over 500 Applications
Justin Trudeau’s special immigration initiative for Hong Kong residents received more applications than expected in its first three weeks, according to a spokesperson for Canada’s immigration minister.
From Feb. 8 to 28, 524 people applied for a three-year open work permit designed for young, educated individuals from the former British colony. It also expedites their eligibility to apply for permanent residency to one year.
Source: Bloomberg #Apr17
https://t.co/tJnwRD78J1?amp=1
#Visa #HongKonger #Canada #Permit
Justin Trudeau’s special immigration initiative for Hong Kong residents received more applications than expected in its first three weeks, according to a spokesperson for Canada’s immigration minister.
From Feb. 8 to 28, 524 people applied for a three-year open work permit designed for young, educated individuals from the former British colony. It also expedites their eligibility to apply for permanent residency to one year.
Source: Bloomberg #Apr17
https://t.co/tJnwRD78J1?amp=1
#Visa #HongKonger #Canada #Permit
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress passed the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law; any individual who fails to cooperate with the countermeasures will be held accountable
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China closed today (10th June) in Beijing, according to the CCTV, the decision and proposal of Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law has passed during the meeting. Now, the proposal of Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law still has not published. European and American countries have been countered by Chinese government due to the issues of Xinjiang human rights, Hong Kong’s situation, and annunciation to sanction the Chinese and Hong Kong officials. According to the interview of Director Tian Feilong which podcasted by Now News, he described that proposal will be a “legal weapon” to counter external interference. And he said Hong Kong is necessarily to cooperate with the law, stated that after the law has been passed, it might be included in Annex III of Hong Kong’s basic law, or Hong Kong government may revise and formulate relevant local laws on its own.
The Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law also sets out, the relevant departments of the State Council can take measures, including not issuing visas, not allowing the entry, log-outing visas or even deporting; sealing up, seizing, and freezing movable, immovable, and other various properties in China; and prohibit or restrict organisations and individuals in China from conducting transactions and cooperation with them, etc.
Tian indicated, in the past, China faced sanctions mainly through the administrative measures of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce, which were limited to the economic and foreign trade areas of the original Ministry of Commerce and blocked them. The individual countermeasures announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are only administrative in nature. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the relevant legal system. He described the "Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law" as a "legal toolbox" to counter external interference, and to make countermeasures act in accordance with the law, forming a stronger law enforcement force.
Source: Stand News #Jun10
https://bit.ly/3izXfp6
#China #ForeignAffairs #Beijing #CCTV #Sanctions #HongKong #HumanRights #Xinjiang #Law #Visa #Deport
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China closed today (10th June) in Beijing, according to the CCTV, the decision and proposal of Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law has passed during the meeting. Now, the proposal of Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law still has not published. European and American countries have been countered by Chinese government due to the issues of Xinjiang human rights, Hong Kong’s situation, and annunciation to sanction the Chinese and Hong Kong officials. According to the interview of Director Tian Feilong which podcasted by Now News, he described that proposal will be a “legal weapon” to counter external interference. And he said Hong Kong is necessarily to cooperate with the law, stated that after the law has been passed, it might be included in Annex III of Hong Kong’s basic law, or Hong Kong government may revise and formulate relevant local laws on its own.
The Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law also sets out, the relevant departments of the State Council can take measures, including not issuing visas, not allowing the entry, log-outing visas or even deporting; sealing up, seizing, and freezing movable, immovable, and other various properties in China; and prohibit or restrict organisations and individuals in China from conducting transactions and cooperation with them, etc.
Tian indicated, in the past, China faced sanctions mainly through the administrative measures of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce, which were limited to the economic and foreign trade areas of the original Ministry of Commerce and blocked them. The individual countermeasures announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are only administrative in nature. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the relevant legal system. He described the "Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law" as a "legal toolbox" to counter external interference, and to make countermeasures act in accordance with the law, forming a stronger law enforcement force.
Source: Stand News #Jun10
https://bit.ly/3izXfp6
#China #ForeignAffairs #Beijing #CCTV #Sanctions #HongKong #HumanRights #Xinjiang #Law #Visa #Deport
立場新聞 Stand News
人大常委通過《反外國制裁法》 任何個人不配合反制將被追究 | 立場新聞
中國全國人大常委會今（10 日）午在北京閉幕，央視報道，會上表決通過《反外國制裁法》等草案和決定。《反外國制裁...
U.S. lawmakers blast Coca-Cola, Visa and other sponsors of Beijing Olympics
A bipartisan panel in the U.S. Congress on Tuesday blasted U.S.-based corporate sponsors of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, including Coca-Cola, Visa Inc and Airbnb, accusing them of putting profits ahead of accusations of genocide in China.
Republican Representative Chris Smith said in a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that the sponsors needed to reconcile their "ostensible commitment to human rights" with subsidizing an Olympics where the host country is "actively committing human rights abuses."
Source: Reuters #Jul28
https://reut.rs/3i711Wn
#US #CocaCola #Visa #Sponsor #Beijing #Olympics
A bipartisan panel in the U.S. Congress on Tuesday blasted U.S.-based corporate sponsors of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, including Coca-Cola, Visa Inc and Airbnb, accusing them of putting profits ahead of accusations of genocide in China.
Republican Representative Chris Smith said in a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that the sponsors needed to reconcile their "ostensible commitment to human rights" with subsidizing an Olympics where the host country is "actively committing human rights abuses."
Source: Reuters #Jul28
https://reut.rs/3i711Wn
#US #CocaCola #Visa #Sponsor #Beijing #Olympics
Federal government confirms 'fast-tracking' of Hong Kong skilled visa applications
Senator James Paterson, the Chair of the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, confirmed the move to "fast track" applications, saying he has long been pressing to open migration avenues for Hong Kongers.
"The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Settlement Services, has decided to update the order of priority processing to support existing and future arrangements for the agriculture sector, while also providing consideration for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport holders," Senator Paterson told SBS Chinese.
"This means processing priority will be given to Hong Kong and BNO passport holders applying for temporary and permanent skilled visas ahead of other cohorts.
Source: SBS #Jul30
https://t.co/1r8UOw0ZMJ
#HongKonger #Visa #BNO
Senator James Paterson, the Chair of the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, confirmed the move to "fast track" applications, saying he has long been pressing to open migration avenues for Hong Kongers.
"The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Settlement Services, has decided to update the order of priority processing to support existing and future arrangements for the agriculture sector, while also providing consideration for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport holders," Senator Paterson told SBS Chinese.
"This means processing priority will be given to Hong Kong and BNO passport holders applying for temporary and permanent skilled visas ahead of other cohorts.
Source: SBS #Jul30
https://t.co/1r8UOw0ZMJ
#HongKonger #Visa #BNO
Chinese spies pose as refugees in UK visa plot
Chinese spies are posing as refugees in an attempt to enter Britain through a resettlement scheme designed for Hongkongers, The Times can reveal.
Government sources have said they are aware of sleeper agents applying for British National (Overseas) visas under the pretence of seeking refuge from the totalitarian state.
“There are stringent background checks in place for the visa applications — and they’re in place for a reason,” government sources said. “The vetting process for the BNO visa scheme is much more thorough than any other.”
Source: The Times #Aug09
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/chinese-spies-pose-as-refugees-in-uk-visa-plot-g0fdfv37v
#Chinese #UK #Visa #BNO
Chinese spies are posing as refugees in an attempt to enter Britain through a resettlement scheme designed for Hongkongers, The Times can reveal.
Government sources have said they are aware of sleeper agents applying for British National (Overseas) visas under the pretence of seeking refuge from the totalitarian state.
“There are stringent background checks in place for the visa applications — and they’re in place for a reason,” government sources said. “The vetting process for the BNO visa scheme is much more thorough than any other.”
Source: The Times #Aug09
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/chinese-spies-pose-as-refugees-in-uk-visa-plot-g0fdfv37v
#Chinese #UK #Visa #BNO
#PressFreedom
Hong Kong denies visa to Economist journalist in latest blow to press freedom
#NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #FailedState #Visa #Economist
Source: Stand News, Reuters; #Nov13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Hong Kong denies visa to Economist journalist in latest blow to press freedom
#NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #FailedState #Visa #Economist
Source: Stand News, Reuters; #Nov13
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
#PressFreedom
Hong Kong denies visa to Economist journalist in latest blow to press freedom
The #Economist said on November 13 that Hong Kong authorities declined to renew the visa of one its journalists, #WongSueLin, urging the city to maintain foreign media access as concerns grow about media freedoms in the global financial hub.
Wong, originally from Australia, was based in Hong Kong and covered China and the southern semi-autonomous city.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Wong said she was “very sad” at not being able to continue reporting from Hong Kong.
Since Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in July 2020, democracy activists, newspaper editors and journalists have been arrested. Critics of the legislation say it is being used to crush dissent in the city.
#NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #FailedState #Visa #Economist
Source: Stand News, Reuters; #Nov13
https://thestandnews.page.link/Avtr3X9JJR3QSDeL6
Hong Kong denies visa to Economist journalist in latest blow to press freedom
The #Economist said on November 13 that Hong Kong authorities declined to renew the visa of one its journalists, #WongSueLin, urging the city to maintain foreign media access as concerns grow about media freedoms in the global financial hub.
Wong, originally from Australia, was based in Hong Kong and covered China and the southern semi-autonomous city.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Wong said she was “very sad” at not being able to continue reporting from Hong Kong.
Since Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in July 2020, democracy activists, newspaper editors and journalists have been arrested. Critics of the legislation say it is being used to crush dissent in the city.
#NationalSecurityLaw #NSL #FailedState #Visa #Economist
Source: Stand News, Reuters; #Nov13
https://thestandnews.page.link/Avtr3X9JJR3QSDeL6
立場新聞 Stand News
《經濟學人》駐港記者被拒續簽證 入境處不評論 記協稱無法釋疑、促港府解話 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
英國媒體《經濟學人》（Economist）昨日 (12 日) 發聲明，指該雜誌駐港記者黄淑琳，遭本港入境處拒絕...
#UKParliament Denies Amendments to Expand #BNO #Visa to Hong Kong Youths
Source: Harbour of Freedom, #Dec6; Stand News, #Dec8
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Source: Harbour of Freedom, #Dec6; Stand News, #Dec8
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#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
#AcademicFreedom #Suppression
Hong Kong denies visa for US human rights law scholar with no apparent reasons
On 2 February, an American legal scholar specialising in LGBTQ rights said he was denied a visa to teach at a Hong Kong university, as concerns deepen about academic freedom in the city.
Legal scholar Ryan Thoreson said he was hired by the University of Hong Kong (#HKU), the city’s oldest, to teach human rights law as a tenure-track assistant professor, but his visa application was rejected.
“(The government) hadn’t given an explanation for it, but it just showed up on the immigration website saying the application had been refused,” Thoreson said.
#RyanThoreson #HumanRights #LGBTQ #Visa
Source: Ming Pao, HKFP; #Feb2
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%e6%b8%af%e8%81%9e/article/20220202/s00001/1643779715101
Hong Kong denies visa for US human rights law scholar with no apparent reasons
On 2 February, an American legal scholar specialising in LGBTQ rights said he was denied a visa to teach at a Hong Kong university, as concerns deepen about academic freedom in the city.
Legal scholar Ryan Thoreson said he was hired by the University of Hong Kong (#HKU), the city’s oldest, to teach human rights law as a tenure-track assistant professor, but his visa application was rejected.
“(The government) hadn’t given an explanation for it, but it just showed up on the immigration website saying the application had been refused,” Thoreson said.
#RyanThoreson #HumanRights #LGBTQ #Visa
Source: Ming Pao, HKFP; #Feb2
https://news.mingpao.com/ins/%e6%b8%af%e8%81%9e/article/20220202/s00001/1643779715101