UK offers Hong Kong residents ‘escape’ from Chinese aggression
New ‘pathway to citizenship’ available to citizens with British National Overseas status

The UK government could offer British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders in Hong Kong a path to UK citizenship if China continues to impose itself on the state.
Up to 300,000 BNOs could see their rights to visit the UK without a visa extended if China does not suspend plans for an oppressive new security law in the former British colony, says The Guardian.
China’s parliament yesterday approved new national security legislation that will make it a crime to undermine Beijing’s authority in the territory. Opponents claim that the new laws may be used to permanently undermine the “one country two systems” structure that gives Hong Kong autonomy from the Chinese mainland.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Twitter she was “deeply concerned at China’s proposals” and would “explore options for a path to citizenship for BNO passport holders” with the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.
The “UK will continue to defend the rights & freedoms of the people of Hong Kong”, Patel wrote. Raab later added that, if China’s security proposals were confirmed, the UK would extend the six-month limit on BNO visitors and “provide a pathway to future citizenship”.
China has rejected foreign criticism of the proposed law, and says it could take “countermeasures” against the UK, reports the BBC.
Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: “All such BNO passport holders are Chinese nationals and if the UK insists on changing this practice it will not only violate its own stance but also international law.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Laurence Leamer's 6 favorite books that took courage to write
Feature The author recommends works by George Orwell, Truman Capote and more
-
Today's political cartoons - May 7, 2025
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - film industry tariffs, self-deportation, and more
-
Weer at Soho Theatre Walthamstow: a 'silly, seductive, slapstick joy'
The Week Recommends Natalie Palamides' 'tear-inducingly funny' one-woman show opens London's newest venue
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
-
Ukrainian election: who could replace Zelenskyy?
The Explainer Donald Trump's 'dictator' jibe raises pressure on Ukraine to the polls while the country is under martial law
-
Why Serbian protesters set off smoke bombs in parliament
THE EXPLAINER Ongoing anti-corruption protests erupted into full view this week as Serbian protesters threw the country's legislature into chaos
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical