China Tries to Stop Hong Kong Exodus

China says it will not recognize BN(O) passport from Sunday

 

The tit-for-tat between the UK and China went up a notch today when Beijing announced it would not recognize the British National (Overseas) passport as a travel and identification document from Sunday. It comes after the UK will start accepting applications for a pathway to citizenship from 5pm on the same day.

While some say this latest announcement by Beijing is largely symbolic, it could be the start of more restrictions to come, making it harder for Hongkongers to leave the city.

Lo says it could be harder to leave Hong Kong

Lo Kin-hei, chairman of the Democratic Party said in a YouTube video that while one can technically leave Hong Kong using their Hong Kong ID card and BN(O), but the government, and by extension Beijing could pressure the airlines to inspect every passenger for proper travel documents, the BN(O) not being one of them from Sunday.

The BN(O) is recognized by some countries like Japan, Singapore and South Korea, as well as Commonwealth countries, and many European ones. And for people immigrating to the UK, the BN(O) gives them the right of abode in the UK, and now the document will help them process their application to become British citizens in five years.

There is the possibility that 5.4 million Hongkongers could leave for the UK, and that angers Beijing.

"China will no longer recognize the BN(O) passport as a valid travel document or for identification, and we reserve the right to take further actions," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said today.

Zhao says HKers could be "second-class citizens"

"In disregard for China's solemn position and the fact that it has been 24 years since Hong Kong returned to the motherland, the British side blatantly violated its commitment, formulated the so-called 'bespoke' policy of abode and citizenship in the UK for BN(O)s, and continued to expand its scope of application.

"The UK's move grossly violates China's sovereignty, interferes in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs, and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations."

Zhao warned that Hongkongers would become "second-class citizens' in Britain, and noted that the BN(O) scheme was no longer the one that had been agreed upon by both sides.

He is correct on the latter point: According to the Sino-British Joint Declaration that was signed in 1984, the BN(O) passport was to be a travel document only, and did not entail citizenship.

However, that was back then, and this is now. The UK feels a moral obligation to help Hongkongers and has modified its immigration rules.

One needs a HK passport to leave the city

It's amusing Zhao says Hongkongers will be treated like "second-class citizens" in Britain, as if this will deter them from leaving. Many are willing to make that sacrifice, young and old.

However, China could pressure countries that currently accept BN(O) passports to change their policies. It will be interesting to see how countries like Japan, South Korea and the Philippines handle that pressure.

Nevertheless this week there have been articles about Hongkongers who are already in the UK, many haven't found jobs yet, but do not regret leaving, though they miss the city. Others are planning to leave in the next few months and are having tearful farewells with families and friends. And then there are those who want to leave, but feel moral obligations to look after ageing parents, or they don't have the financial means or language skills to survive in the UK.

One thing's for sure, the exodus will continue, and will grow in the months to come.