Many more see BNO passport as ticket out of HK
An increasing number of Hongkongers are renewing their British National (Overseas) passports and seeking emigration advice amid worries over Beijing’s new national security law for Hong Kong.
This comes as the British government mulls over the possibility of offering the right of abode to tens of thousands of BNO passport holders.
In the latest twist, one of Britain’s most prominent immigration queen’s counsels said Conservative Party ministers were wrong to suggest they are bound by agreements with China to refuse a right of abode to BNO passport holders.
Inquiries about emigration also surged significantly this past weekend since Beijing’s announcement.
Benny Cheung Ka-hei, director of Goldmax Immigration Consulting, said his company on Saturday received three times more inquiries than usual.
“I believe the sharp increase of inquiries since Friday could be related to the national security law,” he said.
But he added the pandemic has affected people’s income and assets – and their ability to immigrate.
