Albert Cheng

Opinion | China must not force Hong Kong’s BN(O) passport holders to choose sides

Britain’s offer of a citizenship path for almost half of Hong Kong’s population has the paradoxical effect of calming their jitters over the national security law

Beijing’s threat to revoke recognition of the BN(O) passport as a travel document has raised fears it may soon strip holders of their Hong Kong residency and other privileges

Reading Time:3 minutes

Why you can trust SCMP

Over the past century, Hong Kong has transformed from a small fishing village into a leading international financial centre. Its remarkable success lies in its rule of law and freedoms. Photo: AFP

Albert Cheng

Published: 9:15am, 7 Aug 2020Updated: 12:32pm, 2 Feb 2021

After Beijing forced through the national security law for Hong Kong, the ideals of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong” have, for a lot of freedom-loving people, come to an end.

A Committee for Safeguarding National Security has now been established, chaired by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, with Luo Huining, the director of the central government’s liaison office, as lead adviser.

On top of that, Beijing has set up an Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong to oversee national security developments in the city. It has powers which enable it to operate independently of the local authorities.

The central government has in effect seized full control over Hong Kong. Western powers, mainly the US and Britain, have openly condemned the actions of Beijing as a violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Different degrees of sanctions have been imposed, and several extradition treaties suspended, while Britain and Australia have offered Hong Kong people a path to residency, even citizenship.

03:14

UK unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers with BN(O) passport holders

The central government wants to restore Hong Kong’s social stability and economic prosperity. However, using strong measures to oppress freedoms and human rights does not serve this purpose. Ironically, the relaxation of immigration and residency policies for Hongkongers is helping to rebuild their shattered confidence and calm their jitters.

Britain’s new BN(O) scheme for Hong Kong people is the more lenient. It will potentially allow some 3 million BN(O) passport holders and their dependants to apply to settle in the UK after they have been in the country for five years, and to apply for citizenship after a further 12 months.