#UK Continues Issuing #BNO As Hong Kong Government Has No right to Dictate the Travel Document Validity to Foreign Countries
The Hong Kong government issued a letter to more than ten foreign embassies, reported by Reuter on March 25, 2021.
The letter stated that starting from Jan 31, 2021 the government does not recognize BNO as a valid travel document. The letter also demanded other embassies to stop accepting work holiday applications with BNO and advised that the HKSAR passport is the only acceptable document.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UK indicated that the HK SAR Government has no right to dictate whether a travel document is valid to foreign governments and that the UK government will continue issuing BNO as a legal travel document.
Reuters reported on Mar 25 that diplomats confirmed that a letter, witnessed by the reporter, was issued by the Hong Kong government to several embassies demanding the ban on work holiday application with BNO.
An anonymous diplomat opined, “the letter is going to be ignored by most countries… This is just the HK government’s wishful thinking. They have no rights to dictate what documents are accepted by foreign governments”. Another diplomat described the act as “bordering on belligerent”, which differs from its attitude in the past as an international financial center.
Source: Stand News #Mar26
https://bit.ly/3rt7bS0
#CCPRules #FailedState #Reuter #TravelDocument #Passport
The Hong Kong government issued a letter to more than ten foreign embassies, reported by Reuter on March 25, 2021.
The letter stated that starting from Jan 31, 2021 the government does not recognize BNO as a valid travel document. The letter also demanded other embassies to stop accepting work holiday applications with BNO and advised that the HKSAR passport is the only acceptable document.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UK indicated that the HK SAR Government has no right to dictate whether a travel document is valid to foreign governments and that the UK government will continue issuing BNO as a legal travel document.
Reuters reported on Mar 25 that diplomats confirmed that a letter, witnessed by the reporter, was issued by the Hong Kong government to several embassies demanding the ban on work holiday application with BNO.
An anonymous diplomat opined, “the letter is going to be ignored by most countries… This is just the HK government’s wishful thinking. They have no rights to dictate what documents are accepted by foreign governments”. Another diplomat described the act as “bordering on belligerent”, which differs from its attitude in the past as an international financial center.
Source: Stand News #Mar26
https://bit.ly/3rt7bS0
#CCPRules #FailedState #Reuter #TravelDocument #Passport
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
#BNO
Beware of Chinese spies: British Government Urges Hongkongers to Apply Visa Online
//The [British] government is urging Hongkongers to apply for Britain’s new visa scheme online because China is stationing agents outside application centres.
[British] Ministers have been given intelligence that [Chinese] undercover agents are spying on dissidents coming and going from two centres in Hong Kong.
It is feared that they are passing on names and photos of dissidents to the Chinese authorities in an attempt to block their departure.
The Times revealed last week that Chinese spies were posing as dissidents in an attempt to enter Britain through its Hong Kong visa scheme.//
Image: Stand News
Source: The Times #Aug17
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/beware-of-chinese-spies-visa-applicants-told-thdz6g8hq
#ChineseSpy #VisaApplication #Doxxing #PoliticalSuppression #CCP
Beware of Chinese spies: British Government Urges Hongkongers to Apply Visa Online
//The [British] government is urging Hongkongers to apply for Britain’s new visa scheme online because China is stationing agents outside application centres.
[British] Ministers have been given intelligence that [Chinese] undercover agents are spying on dissidents coming and going from two centres in Hong Kong.
It is feared that they are passing on names and photos of dissidents to the Chinese authorities in an attempt to block their departure.
The Times revealed last week that Chinese spies were posing as dissidents in an attempt to enter Britain through its Hong Kong visa scheme.//
Image: Stand News
Source: The Times #Aug17
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/beware-of-chinese-spies-visa-applicants-told-thdz6g8hq
#ChineseSpy #VisaApplication #Doxxing #PoliticalSuppression #CCP
www.thetimes.co.uk
Beware of Chinese spies, visa applicants told
The government is urging Hongkongers to apply for Britain’s new visa scheme online because China is stationing agents outside application centres. Ministers h
Pro-CCP organisation found in UK BNO policy Taskforce, triggering safety concerns for Hongkongers
#BNO #HongkongersInBritain #LOTR #immigration
Source: Stand News; #Aug18
Read more
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#BNO #HongkongersInBritain #LOTR #immigration
Source: Stand News; #Aug18
Read more
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Pro-CCP organisation found in UK BNO policy Taskforce, triggering safety concerns for Hongkongers
British government's BNO policy consultation taskforce includes prominent members of the London China Town Chinese Association, says Hongkongers in Britain, a pro-democracy advocacy group for newcomers from Hong Kong.
The Chinese Association had pledged support to the implementation of National Security Law in Hong Kong, as well as having only the “patriots to rule Hong Kong.”
Hongkongers in Britain worried that involvement of pro-CCP organization members in these policies could cause safety concerns to Hong Kong people in the UK, many of whom had recently immigrated to the UK on their British Nationals Overseas (BNO) passports. The advocacy group urged the British government to prohibit those pro-CCP organizations from entering official BNO policy committees.
The London China Town Chinese Association, however, did not respond to media inquiry on this matter.
Hongkongers in Britain's website noted that Consultation Taskforce was formed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government to tackle BNO-related policies. The Taskforce does not have representatives from new Hong Kong immigrants, but does include members of the pro-CCP Chinese Association.
#BNO #HongkongersInBritain #LOTR #immigration
Source: Stand News; #Aug18
https://bit.ly/3Bpqi4H
British government's BNO policy consultation taskforce includes prominent members of the London China Town Chinese Association, says Hongkongers in Britain, a pro-democracy advocacy group for newcomers from Hong Kong.
The Chinese Association had pledged support to the implementation of National Security Law in Hong Kong, as well as having only the “patriots to rule Hong Kong.”
Hongkongers in Britain worried that involvement of pro-CCP organization members in these policies could cause safety concerns to Hong Kong people in the UK, many of whom had recently immigrated to the UK on their British Nationals Overseas (BNO) passports. The advocacy group urged the British government to prohibit those pro-CCP organizations from entering official BNO policy committees.
The London China Town Chinese Association, however, did not respond to media inquiry on this matter.
Hongkongers in Britain's website noted that Consultation Taskforce was formed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government to tackle BNO-related policies. The Taskforce does not have representatives from new Hong Kong immigrants, but does include members of the pro-CCP Chinese Association.
#BNO #HongkongersInBritain #LOTR #immigration
Source: Stand News; #Aug18
https://bit.ly/3Bpqi4H
#Hongkongers in Britain
//...the Hong Kongers are quite different from other immigrants, including other ethnic Chinese. Many have a distinct legal status and are socially atypical. They live in specific places, which they chose in a novel way. They have created distinctive self-help groups. In just a few months, they have begun to rewrite Britain’s immigrant story.
A survey by Hongkongers in Britain, a self-help group, however, found that the average age of Hong Kong residents intending to come to Britain was 37. More than two-thirds are university-educated, and the majority have children.
Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about the Hong Kongers is the speed with which they have organised themselves. In little more than a year, several well-run groups have sprung up to help migrants settle in and to lobby on their behalf. They have conducted surveys, arranged housing, legal advice and English courses, organised walking tours, testified in Parliament and much more besides.
Sadly, this self-reliance is not a choice, but a necessity. Newly arrived Hong Kongers often fear recently established Chinese community groups that are aligned with the government in Beijing. Jabez Lam, a veteran organiser at the Hackney Chinese Community Service, says that most Hong Kongers who ask him for help will not give their names. They are right to worry about hostility from other Chinese people, he says. He was roughed up in Chinatown after defending pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
Hong Kongers’ groups have two ambitions. First, they want migrants to integrate rapidly. Hence the English lessons, an enthusiasm for working with churches and gatherings like the one in Sutton, which brought Hong Kongers together with locals. “If Hong Kongers just get together with Hong Kongers, it doesn’t help—it’s another Chinatown,” explains Mr Choi. The groups stress that the migrants’ values, such as a belief in freedom and democracy, are also British ones.
Second, they want Hong Kongers to think of themselves as a community in exile. “Hong Kong is not only a place any more. It’s a diaspora, sharing values,” says Simon Cheng of Hongkongers in Britain. However comfortable and integrated they become, he thinks, Hong Kongers must remember why they had to flee. //
Read the full article:
https://www.economist.com/britain/2021/09/23/britains-newest-immigrant-group-is-unlike-any-that-came-before
Source: The Economist #Sept23
#Immigrant #BNO #Exile #Diaspora #MigrationWave #UK
//...the Hong Kongers are quite different from other immigrants, including other ethnic Chinese. Many have a distinct legal status and are socially atypical. They live in specific places, which they chose in a novel way. They have created distinctive self-help groups. In just a few months, they have begun to rewrite Britain’s immigrant story.
A survey by Hongkongers in Britain, a self-help group, however, found that the average age of Hong Kong residents intending to come to Britain was 37. More than two-thirds are university-educated, and the majority have children.
Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about the Hong Kongers is the speed with which they have organised themselves. In little more than a year, several well-run groups have sprung up to help migrants settle in and to lobby on their behalf. They have conducted surveys, arranged housing, legal advice and English courses, organised walking tours, testified in Parliament and much more besides.
Sadly, this self-reliance is not a choice, but a necessity. Newly arrived Hong Kongers often fear recently established Chinese community groups that are aligned with the government in Beijing. Jabez Lam, a veteran organiser at the Hackney Chinese Community Service, says that most Hong Kongers who ask him for help will not give their names. They are right to worry about hostility from other Chinese people, he says. He was roughed up in Chinatown after defending pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
Hong Kongers’ groups have two ambitions. First, they want migrants to integrate rapidly. Hence the English lessons, an enthusiasm for working with churches and gatherings like the one in Sutton, which brought Hong Kongers together with locals. “If Hong Kongers just get together with Hong Kongers, it doesn’t help—it’s another Chinatown,” explains Mr Choi. The groups stress that the migrants’ values, such as a belief in freedom and democracy, are also British ones.
Second, they want Hong Kongers to think of themselves as a community in exile. “Hong Kong is not only a place any more. It’s a diaspora, sharing values,” says Simon Cheng of Hongkongers in Britain. However comfortable and integrated they become, he thinks, Hong Kongers must remember why they had to flee. //
Read the full article:
https://www.economist.com/britain/2021/09/23/britains-newest-immigrant-group-is-unlike-any-that-came-before
Source: The Economist #Sept23
#Immigrant #BNO #Exile #Diaspora #MigrationWave #UK
The Economist
Britain’s newest immigrant group is unlike any that came before
The Hong Kongers are older and more influenced by YouTube
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
MPs calling it a "moral obligation" to extend UK’s settlement route for Hong Kong youngsters
#BNO #PoliceState #HKProtest #Asylum #UKSettlement
Source: Stand News (Photograph), The Independent; #Nov11
Read more
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#BNO #PoliceState #HKProtest #Asylum #UKSettlement
Source: Stand News (Photograph), The Independent; #Nov11
Read more
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MPs calling it a "moral obligation" to extend UK’s settlement route for Hong Kong youngsters
//An amendment to the Nationality and Borders Bill, tabled by Conservative MP Damian Green and supported by Tom Tugendhat and 11 other Tory MPs, would enable Hong Kongers with at least one parent who is a BNO citizen to apply for a UK visa.
It comes after The Independent revealed last month that Young Hong Kongers who fled police brutality are “languishing” in the UK asylum system because they are not able to benefit from the British National Overseas (BNO) scheme due to their age.
If the amendment were accepted, it would enable those born after 1997 to resettle in Britain on the basis of the BNO status of one or both of their parents, rather than having to travel with them.
Many of these young people may well have been involved in the protests and therefore some of them have already suffered from the new security law, and others may in the future
Home Office figures show there was an almost 500 per cent increase in asylum claims from Hong Kong nationals in the year to June 2021, rising to 124 from 21 the previous year. Fourteen of these were unaccompanied minors – the first time on record that the UK has received asylum claims from children from the city state. //
Read full article
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hong-kong-tories-bno-visa-home-office-b1955222.html
#BNO #PoliceState #HKProtest #Asylum #UKSettlement
Source: Stand News (Photograph), The Independent; #Nov11
//An amendment to the Nationality and Borders Bill, tabled by Conservative MP Damian Green and supported by Tom Tugendhat and 11 other Tory MPs, would enable Hong Kongers with at least one parent who is a BNO citizen to apply for a UK visa.
It comes after The Independent revealed last month that Young Hong Kongers who fled police brutality are “languishing” in the UK asylum system because they are not able to benefit from the British National Overseas (BNO) scheme due to their age.
If the amendment were accepted, it would enable those born after 1997 to resettle in Britain on the basis of the BNO status of one or both of their parents, rather than having to travel with them.
Many of these young people may well have been involved in the protests and therefore some of them have already suffered from the new security law, and others may in the future
Home Office figures show there was an almost 500 per cent increase in asylum claims from Hong Kong nationals in the year to June 2021, rising to 124 from 21 the previous year. Fourteen of these were unaccompanied minors – the first time on record that the UK has received asylum claims from children from the city state. //
Read full article
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hong-kong-tories-bno-visa-home-office-b1955222.html
#BNO #PoliceState #HKProtest #Asylum #UKSettlement
Source: Stand News (Photograph), The Independent; #Nov11
The Independent
Tories call on Home Office to stop excluding young Hong Kongers from BNO scheme
Former immigration minister Damian Green says Britain has ‘moral obligation’ to Hong Kong citizens born after 1997 who cannot benefit from resettlement programme
Former District Councillors Participated in Demonstration in the UK
Oct 1 is the China National Day. More than 100 HKers gathered for an assembly at Piccadilly Gardens in #Manchester, #UK. Event organisers included former Tuen Mun #DistrictCouncillor (DC) Chris Tsang Chun-Hing and Former Wan Chai DC Clara Cheung. They both mentioned that #HKers should promote our local culture in the UK.
The event lasted for half an hour and was hosted by Abingo, Social Media Page #ManchesteHongKong administrator. Aged 30, he arrived UK half a year ago with a BN(O) visa. He explained that the assembly's theme is "#WeUnion", as the speakers combined with #valiant and #PRN, hoping that HKers would not be easily separated.
Former DC: Build the culture and identity from daily to arts
Chris Tang, former Tuen Mun DC, was one of the organisers. He arrived UK a few months ago with BN(O). He used "#MIRROR", a Hong Kong Cantopop boy group, as an example that there were cheering events in London which stated that HKers could export the culture in daily life in the UK. He also hoped to become a bridge between people in the UK and HKers, building up linkage with them and letting people in the UK to understand the Hong Kong situation.
Clara Cheung, Former Wan Chai DC, was also one of the organisers. She was previously an art curator and she actively integrated art into community while at the position. She indicated that the Hong Kong cultural sector was discussing how to bring Hong Kong cultural art to the world. And that "HKers are now scattered across the world". As long as we proactively create artworks, it will build HKers identity. She also believed that HKers should communicate with other exile people who have similar ideas and share cultural assets such as Cantopop, Hong Kong food as well as stories. Throughout the interaction, HKers can build their own culture.
Editor note: In the #AntiELAB movement in 2019, Hong Kong protesters are classified into 2 groups - "the valiant" and "the PRN". "Valiant" refers to people in the frontline who clash directly with the police. "PRN" means "peaceful, rational, nonviolent" people who support peaceful rallies and marches.
#ChinaNationalDay #SelfIdentity #HKculture #BNO
Source: Stand News, HKU #Oct02
https://bit.ly/3H0uL1l https://www.interpreting.hku.hk/glossary/?p=71706
Oct 1 is the China National Day. More than 100 HKers gathered for an assembly at Piccadilly Gardens in #Manchester, #UK. Event organisers included former Tuen Mun #DistrictCouncillor (DC) Chris Tsang Chun-Hing and Former Wan Chai DC Clara Cheung. They both mentioned that #HKers should promote our local culture in the UK.
The event lasted for half an hour and was hosted by Abingo, Social Media Page #ManchesteHongKong administrator. Aged 30, he arrived UK half a year ago with a BN(O) visa. He explained that the assembly's theme is "#WeUnion", as the speakers combined with #valiant and #PRN, hoping that HKers would not be easily separated.
Former DC: Build the culture and identity from daily to arts
Chris Tang, former Tuen Mun DC, was one of the organisers. He arrived UK a few months ago with BN(O). He used "#MIRROR", a Hong Kong Cantopop boy group, as an example that there were cheering events in London which stated that HKers could export the culture in daily life in the UK. He also hoped to become a bridge between people in the UK and HKers, building up linkage with them and letting people in the UK to understand the Hong Kong situation.
Clara Cheung, Former Wan Chai DC, was also one of the organisers. She was previously an art curator and she actively integrated art into community while at the position. She indicated that the Hong Kong cultural sector was discussing how to bring Hong Kong cultural art to the world. And that "HKers are now scattered across the world". As long as we proactively create artworks, it will build HKers identity. She also believed that HKers should communicate with other exile people who have similar ideas and share cultural assets such as Cantopop, Hong Kong food as well as stories. Throughout the interaction, HKers can build their own culture.
Editor note: In the #AntiELAB movement in 2019, Hong Kong protesters are classified into 2 groups - "the valiant" and "the PRN". "Valiant" refers to people in the frontline who clash directly with the police. "PRN" means "peaceful, rational, nonviolent" people who support peaceful rallies and marches.
#ChinaNationalDay #SelfIdentity #HKculture #BNO
Source: Stand News, HKU #Oct02
https://bit.ly/3H0uL1l https://www.interpreting.hku.hk/glossary/?p=71706
立場新聞 Stand News
【10.1．英國】前區議員曾振興、張嘉莉等 曼徹斯特辦示威 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
昨日是（1 日）中華人民共和國國慶，有居英港人在英國曼徹斯特皮卡迪利花園 (Piccadilly Garden...
#UKParliament Denies Amendments to Expand #BNO #Visa to Hong Kong Youths
Source: Harbour of Freedom, #Dec6; Stand News, #Dec8
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Source: Harbour of Freedom, #Dec6; Stand News, #Dec8
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#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
#HKProtest #Exile
2 Years After PolyU Siege, 19-year-old HongKongers in Exile: "I Earnestly Want to Return to Hong Kong"
#AntiELAB #PolyUseige #LOTR #HongKongAidUK
Source: RFA; #Nov17
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31808
2 Years After PolyU Siege, 19-year-old HongKongers in Exile: "I Earnestly Want to Return to Hong Kong"
#AntiELAB #PolyUseige #LOTR #HongKongAidUK
Source: RFA; #Nov17
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31808
#HKProtest #Exile
2 Years After PolyU Siege, 19-year-old HongKongers in Exile: "I Earnestly Want to Return to Hong Kong"
Read Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31792
Continue with Part 2:
As he was born after the handover of Hong Kong in 1997, he does not have a #BNO passport. He can only seek #PoliticalAsylum in the UK.
During the waiting process, he could not work for a living, resulting in a difficult time. He revealed that when he first arrived in the UK, he was a "hard labour" for his "parents" in the UK from HK, limiting his freedom.
After a while, he got rid of them and stayed at a temporary dormitory provided by the UK government.
Ivan said, "the accommodation is very disrespectful nor feeling staying alone. I don't think they treat me like a person. Throughout the time, there was one fellow staying with me but left. The rest were asylums from other countries. Only a few of us are from Asia, and I am the only person from Hong Kong.
Going with the psychological shadow
The accommodation for asylum is lonely and with occasional sudden room-check by the staff at the outsourcing company of management. This action recalls Ivan's fear of police arresting him at his home's door before leaving HK after the siege.
In addition, he had his first political asylum interview in June this year. However, he couldn't finish the interview due to emotional problems after 6 hours of examination. The application is still yet to be approved after a year.
He has only recently received £8 each week from the British #HomeOffice.
Ivan stated, "life is obviously not too well financially, but the most difficult is to face the uncertain future. Applying for political asylum is complicated, with many interviews and evidence preparations. The waiting duration increases asylum's mental health burden as we can't work and may need to sign in with the police frequently."
The guilt of a "survivor"
Ivan and his friends founded "#HongKongAidUK" for HKers in the UK, supporting other political asylum seekers from Hong Kong with his own experience, providing suggestions and referrals. The organisation recently provides winter clothes for financially tight people.
Apart from helping UK HKers, he continues to speak out for democracy - calling to boycott #Beijing2022 Olympics with #Tibetan and #Uyghur groups, as well as setting up a street exhibition about HK on the #RemembranceDay. He also reminds the foreign HKers not to forget the November in 2019, full of blood.
Despite his work for HK, Ivan can hardly get away from his contradiction and guilt from his heart, and he uses it as a self-sarcasm.
He indicated, "I always say that there should have no separation between myself and the place, but then I left. It makes me feel guilty for being a survivor and think about what I can do more for HK.
If I go into imprisonment, I will not be able to come out in a short term, which means I will spend a lot of time in jail. Yet, since I arrived in a foreign country, I can use this time to do things according to my will."
Contnue Reading Part 3
Source: RFA #Nov17
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/hk-polyu-11172021060537.html
2 Years After PolyU Siege, 19-year-old HongKongers in Exile: "I Earnestly Want to Return to Hong Kong"
Read Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31792
Continue with Part 2:
As he was born after the handover of Hong Kong in 1997, he does not have a #BNO passport. He can only seek #PoliticalAsylum in the UK.
During the waiting process, he could not work for a living, resulting in a difficult time. He revealed that when he first arrived in the UK, he was a "hard labour" for his "parents" in the UK from HK, limiting his freedom.
After a while, he got rid of them and stayed at a temporary dormitory provided by the UK government.
Ivan said, "the accommodation is very disrespectful nor feeling staying alone. I don't think they treat me like a person. Throughout the time, there was one fellow staying with me but left. The rest were asylums from other countries. Only a few of us are from Asia, and I am the only person from Hong Kong.
Going with the psychological shadow
The accommodation for asylum is lonely and with occasional sudden room-check by the staff at the outsourcing company of management. This action recalls Ivan's fear of police arresting him at his home's door before leaving HK after the siege.
In addition, he had his first political asylum interview in June this year. However, he couldn't finish the interview due to emotional problems after 6 hours of examination. The application is still yet to be approved after a year.
He has only recently received £8 each week from the British #HomeOffice.
Ivan stated, "life is obviously not too well financially, but the most difficult is to face the uncertain future. Applying for political asylum is complicated, with many interviews and evidence preparations. The waiting duration increases asylum's mental health burden as we can't work and may need to sign in with the police frequently."
The guilt of a "survivor"
Ivan and his friends founded "#HongKongAidUK" for HKers in the UK, supporting other political asylum seekers from Hong Kong with his own experience, providing suggestions and referrals. The organisation recently provides winter clothes for financially tight people.
Apart from helping UK HKers, he continues to speak out for democracy - calling to boycott #Beijing2022 Olympics with #Tibetan and #Uyghur groups, as well as setting up a street exhibition about HK on the #RemembranceDay. He also reminds the foreign HKers not to forget the November in 2019, full of blood.
Despite his work for HK, Ivan can hardly get away from his contradiction and guilt from his heart, and he uses it as a self-sarcasm.
He indicated, "I always say that there should have no separation between myself and the place, but then I left. It makes me feel guilty for being a survivor and think about what I can do more for HK.
If I go into imprisonment, I will not be able to come out in a short term, which means I will spend a lot of time in jail. Yet, since I arrived in a foreign country, I can use this time to do things according to my will."
Contnue Reading Part 3
Source: RFA #Nov17
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/hk-polyu-11172021060537.html
Telegram
📡Guardians of Hong Kong
2 Years After PolyUsiege, 19-year-old HongKongers in Exile: "I Earnestly Want to Return to Hong Kong"
On November 17, 2019, a fierce police-civilian collision broke out at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (#PolyU). The campus were surrounded by armed…
On November 17, 2019, a fierce police-civilian collision broke out at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (#PolyU). The campus were surrounded by armed…
#UK #Migration #Hongkonger
Hong Kong Immigrants in Britain are showing a flair for protest
//Between January and September last year [2021] 88,000 Hong Kongers applied to move to Britain under the British National (Overseas) visa route, which was created by the government in response to the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong. Many of them have been quick to stage in their adopted home the traditions of their old one.
The protest in Edinburgh was one of at least ten held across Britain in January alone. Some demonstrations in London have attracted almost 1,000 people. For a modest-sized group of new immigrants, the speed and scale with which the Hong Kongers have taken to the streets is striking.
Hong Kongers say that the main reason they keep protesting is because objectionable things keep happening. January’s protests have been focused on the issue of press freedom: in December and January two of Hong Kong’s last remaining independent news outlets closed after their offices were raided by police and journalists were arrested. Further protests will probably be held in February to call for a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which start on February 4th...
Hong Kongers who have fled the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on the city were specifically driven to leave by sudden restrictions on their rights of free speech and free assembly. The point of moving was to regain those freedoms for themselves and their children. Although many Hong Kongers in Britain still fear the Communist Party, failing to protest in Britain would be cowardly, argues Ken: “If I am silent here I am just helping them.”//
Read the full article:
https://t.co/u1j42pubny
Source: Economist #Feb22
#BNO #Protest #AntiELAB
Hong Kong Immigrants in Britain are showing a flair for protest
//Between January and September last year [2021] 88,000 Hong Kongers applied to move to Britain under the British National (Overseas) visa route, which was created by the government in response to the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong. Many of them have been quick to stage in their adopted home the traditions of their old one.
The protest in Edinburgh was one of at least ten held across Britain in January alone. Some demonstrations in London have attracted almost 1,000 people. For a modest-sized group of new immigrants, the speed and scale with which the Hong Kongers have taken to the streets is striking.
Hong Kongers say that the main reason they keep protesting is because objectionable things keep happening. January’s protests have been focused on the issue of press freedom: in December and January two of Hong Kong’s last remaining independent news outlets closed after their offices were raided by police and journalists were arrested. Further protests will probably be held in February to call for a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which start on February 4th...
Hong Kongers who have fled the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on the city were specifically driven to leave by sudden restrictions on their rights of free speech and free assembly. The point of moving was to regain those freedoms for themselves and their children. Although many Hong Kongers in Britain still fear the Communist Party, failing to protest in Britain would be cowardly, argues Ken: “If I am silent here I am just helping them.”//
Read the full article:
https://t.co/u1j42pubny
Source: Economist #Feb22
#BNO #Protest #AntiELAB
The Economist
Britain’s newest immigrants are showing a flair for protest
Keeping up the old traditions
#LifeBoat
UK Government considering proposals to expand #BNO scheme for Hong Kong youngsters born after 1997
On February 10, the UK parliament continued to debate proposed law amendments that would widen the pathway for people with British national (overseas) (BNO) status to resettle in the UK.
The amendment aimed to expand the BNO visa scheme to those aged between 18 and 25 who were born on or after 1997 who have BNO parents to access the scheme independently of their parents.
Speaking in a Committee Stage debate at the House of Lords, the last governor, Chris Patten bluntly criticised the Chief Executives of Hong Kong and members of HK Police Force.
“Everyone of my successors as Chief Executive of Hong Kong had a British passport. ... [the] unhappy paradox is the people at the moment, the quisling, including the member in the police force, [who are] doing the prosecuting, have British passport. And the ones being prosecuted, or the ones being locked up, don't," Lord Patten said.
He continued: "... what is happening in Hong Kong - the destruction of a free city, one of the great free cities in the world - I think that's wrong and we should say it's wrong"
The debate, led by Lord of Alton of Liverpool, saw the amendment receive support from all sides of the House of Commons including with support from Lord Patten of Barnes, the last Governor of Hong Kong as well as the Liberal Democrat and Labour frontbench.
Lord Sharpe of Epsom, the Government Whip in the Lords, said, "We are looking seriously at whether more can be done to support this cohort. I hope this will cheer your Lordships up that we hope to update the House by Report stage."
#ChrisPatten #BNO
Source: Radio France Asia Cantonese; #Feb11
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/uk-bno-02112022140036.html
UK Government considering proposals to expand #BNO scheme for Hong Kong youngsters born after 1997
On February 10, the UK parliament continued to debate proposed law amendments that would widen the pathway for people with British national (overseas) (BNO) status to resettle in the UK.
The amendment aimed to expand the BNO visa scheme to those aged between 18 and 25 who were born on or after 1997 who have BNO parents to access the scheme independently of their parents.
Speaking in a Committee Stage debate at the House of Lords, the last governor, Chris Patten bluntly criticised the Chief Executives of Hong Kong and members of HK Police Force.
“Everyone of my successors as Chief Executive of Hong Kong had a British passport. ... [the] unhappy paradox is the people at the moment, the quisling, including the member in the police force, [who are] doing the prosecuting, have British passport. And the ones being prosecuted, or the ones being locked up, don't," Lord Patten said.
He continued: "... what is happening in Hong Kong - the destruction of a free city, one of the great free cities in the world - I think that's wrong and we should say it's wrong"
The debate, led by Lord of Alton of Liverpool, saw the amendment receive support from all sides of the House of Commons including with support from Lord Patten of Barnes, the last Governor of Hong Kong as well as the Liberal Democrat and Labour frontbench.
Lord Sharpe of Epsom, the Government Whip in the Lords, said, "We are looking seriously at whether more can be done to support this cohort. I hope this will cheer your Lordships up that we hope to update the House by Report stage."
#ChrisPatten #BNO
Source: Radio France Asia Cantonese; #Feb11
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/uk-bno-02112022140036.html
Radio Free Asia
【聚焦香港】彭定康批「外國護照」特首乃「叛徒」
英國上議院周四辯論放寬港人BNO簽證。前港督彭定康促英國政府接納修訂案，他發言時更狠批歷屆香港特首或家人持有英國護照，被迫害的年輕人卻沒有。同日，下議院無異議支持台灣參與多邊組織。另外，英國國會外交委員會下周六啓程訪問台灣。
#BNO
UK allows young Hongkongers a pathway to British citizenship
#UK #Citizenship #NationalSecurityLaw #Emigration
Source: RFA; #Feb25
Read more
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UK allows young Hongkongers a pathway to British citizenship
#UK #Citizenship #NationalSecurityLaw #Emigration
Source: RFA; #Feb25
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
#BNO
UK allows young Hongkongers a pathway to British citizenship
The British government announced new amendments to the British National (Overseas) immigration route on February 25, 2022, which allows Hong Kongers who were born on or after 1997 and who have parents with BNO passports to access it independently of their parents.
The BNO scheme, designed to offer a path to citizenship for Hong Kong nationals in the wake of Beijing’s national security law being imposed, required that applicants hold a BNO passport.
While the scheme allows applicants to bring relatives, including adult children, with them to the UK, many young people who have taken part in pro-democracy protests in 2019 have had to flee alone because their parents wish to remain in Hong Kong.
Acknowledging that this was creating “unfair outcomes”, Immigration minister Kevin Foster said it was “right and important” that the government change the policy to enable individuals aged 18 or over who were born on or after 1 July 1997 and who have at least one BNO parent to apply to the route independently.
He said the government intended to lay the changes to the immigration rules in September, with the changes expected to go live in October.
#UK #Citizenship #NationalSecurityLaw #Emigration
Source: RFA; #Feb25
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/uk-visa-02242022121049.html
UK allows young Hongkongers a pathway to British citizenship
The British government announced new amendments to the British National (Overseas) immigration route on February 25, 2022, which allows Hong Kongers who were born on or after 1997 and who have parents with BNO passports to access it independently of their parents.
The BNO scheme, designed to offer a path to citizenship for Hong Kong nationals in the wake of Beijing’s national security law being imposed, required that applicants hold a BNO passport.
While the scheme allows applicants to bring relatives, including adult children, with them to the UK, many young people who have taken part in pro-democracy protests in 2019 have had to flee alone because their parents wish to remain in Hong Kong.
Acknowledging that this was creating “unfair outcomes”, Immigration minister Kevin Foster said it was “right and important” that the government change the policy to enable individuals aged 18 or over who were born on or after 1 July 1997 and who have at least one BNO parent to apply to the route independently.
He said the government intended to lay the changes to the immigration rules in September, with the changes expected to go live in October.
#UK #Citizenship #NationalSecurityLaw #Emigration
Source: RFA; #Feb25
https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/htm/uk-visa-02242022121049.html
Radio Free Asia
【移居英國】97後合資格港人可獨立申請BNO 料今年10月生效
英國官員周四表示，英國政府已決定修改BNO簽證申請計劃，1997年7月1日或之後出生、滿18歲的的港人，只要父母其中一方持BNO資格，將被容許以個人身份獨立申請BNO簽證。政府打算在9月對移民規則作出修改，措施可望從10月起生效。