[DW] Millions of Hong Kong residents are eligible for a fast-track UK citizenship program. Two young emigrants colonists told DW that escaping the long arm of Beijing is worth the struggle of starting over in a foreign country.
On January 31, the United Kingdom kicked off an immigration program that will ease UK citizenship requirements for millions of Hong Kong citizens who want to leave the territory in the wake of continued pressure from Beijing on civil liberties.
The UK Home Office estimates there are 2.9 million British National Overseas (BNO) status holders eligible to move to the UK, with a further estimated 2.3 million eligible dependents. Under the new scheme, these people will be able to apply online for a visa. BNO arrivals from Hong Kong are allowed to live, work and study in the UK as long as they can financially support themselves. |