LONDON (Reuters) – Britain pledged £ 43 million ($ 59 million) to help people coming from Hong Kong find jobs, homes and schools under initiative allowing millions to resettle after China passes new security laws imposed in the former British colony.
An escalating feud with Beijing over reforms in Hong Kong has resulted in Britain opening its doors to potentially more than 5 million people, offering them the opportunity to live and work in the country and eventually apply for citizenship.
Most of the money announced Thursday will be spent by the local government on programs to help with English language support and housing costs for newcomers. The government will also launch 12 virtual regional offices to assist with tasks such as registration for healthcare and schools.
These Welcome Hubs will also provide advice on how to set up businesses in the UK.
“This program will ensure that UK national (overseas) status holders and their families have the very best start as soon as they arrive, and support to help them find homes, schools for their children, opportunity and prosperity,” said Minister Robert Jenrick from the community. .
Britain says China’s imposed security laws and democracy reforms in Hong Kong run counter to the terms of the 1997 agreement that transferred the semi-autonomous city to China. Ministers say the visa program is one way to fulfill his side of that deal.
China has responded angrily to the offer, saying the West’s views on its actions towards Hong Kong have been clouded by misinformation and an imperial hangover.
Since its launch in January, about 27,000 people had applied for the new visa as of March 19. While general estimates of demand are uncertain, the government forecasts between 258,000 and 322,000 applicants over five years.
The program is open to 2.9 million people classified as British National (Overseas) – a special status pertaining specifically to Hong Kong – and an additional 2.3 million eligible dependents.
($ 1 = 0.7235 pounds)
Report by William James, Published by William Maclean