British National Overseas Passport: Surge in Applications
In recent months, there has been a significant surge in the number of applications for the British National Overseas (BNO) passport. This is due to the recent political tensions between China and Hong Kong, with many residents of Hong Kong seeking to secure their rights and protect their futures.
What is a British National Overseas Passport?
A British National Overseas passport is a type of passport issued to people from Hong Kong who were British overseas territory citizens before the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997. It allows holders to visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, but it doesn't grant them the right to live or work in the UK.
The Increase in Applications
The recent political tensions in Hong Kong have led to a surge in interest for the BNO passport. In fact, the number of applications in the first quarter of 2021 was almost double the total number of applications in 2020. This increase is expected to continue, with many Hong Kong residents wanting to secure their futures and rights in case the situation deteriorates.
The UK government has also responded to this surge in applications by introducing a new visa program for Hong Kong residents. This program allows those with British National (Overseas) status, as well as their close family members, to apply for a five-year visa to come to the UK. After five years, they will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, and then, after a year of holding that status, they can apply for British citizenship.
The Significance of the Increase in Applications
The surge in applications for the BNO passport and the UK's decision to allow Hong Kong residents to come to the UK through the new visa program reflect the growing concerns about the future of Hong Kong. With China tightening its control over Hong Kong, many residents fear for their safety, their future opportunities, and their human rights. The increase in applications also reflects the desire of Hong Kong residents to secure their British nationality and protect themselves against potential problems in the future.
The Future for BNO Passport Holders
The future for BNO passport holders is still uncertain. The UK government has made commitments to protect the rights of BNO holders, but the situation in Hong Kong remains tense. The Chinese central government has made it clear that it does not recognize BNO passports and has warned against any attempts to use them to enter or stay in Hong Kong.
Nonetheless, the BNO passport remains a crucial option for many Hong Kong residents who are looking for a way to protect themselves and their futures. The UK government has made it clear that it will continue to support Hong Kong residents in their efforts to secure their British nationality and protect their rights. The situation remains fluid, but for now, the surge in applications for BNO passports shows that many Hong Kong residents are taking action to secure their futures.
Conclusion
The surge in applications for the British National Overseas passport reflects the growing concerns of Hong Kong residents about their future. With political tensions increasing, many residents are taking steps to secure their British nationality and protect their rights. The UK government has responded by introducing a new visa program, which allows Hong Kong residents to come to the UK and potentially obtain British citizenship. The situation remains fluid, but for now, it is clear that the BNO passport remains a crucial option for many Hong Kong residents who are looking to secure their futures.
