LONDON (Reuters) – UK pledges £ 43 million ($ 59 million) to help people arriving from Hong Kong find jobs, homes and schools as part of an initiative to enable millions to relocate after China imposed new security laws on the former British colony.
A growing line with Beijing over Hong Kong reforms has seen Britain open its doors to more than 5 million people, giving them the chance to live and work in the country and, ultimately, to apply for citizenship.
Most of the money announced on Thursday will be spent by the local government on programs to help support the English language and housing costs for newcomers. The government will also launch 12 virtual regional offices to provide assistance with tasks such as registration for healthcare and schools.
These “welcome centers” will also provide advice on how to set up a business in the UK.
“This program will ensure that holders of British (overseas) national status and their families have the best start as soon as they arrive and support to help them find a home, schools for their children, opportunity and prosperity,” the minister said. Robert Jenrick communities.
Britain says China’s security laws and Hong Kong’s democracy reforms violated the terms of the agreement that saw the semi-autonomous city handed over to China in 1997. Ministers say the visa program is a way to honor its part of the agreement.
China has reacted angrily to the offer and says the West’s views on its actions on Hong Kong are troubled by misinformation and an imperial hangover.
Since its launch in January, about 27,000 people have applied for the new visa since March 19. Although overall demand estimates 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 nationals (overseas) – a special status that specifically refers to Hong Kong – and another 2.3 million eligible dependents.
($ 1 = £ 0.7235)
Reported by William James, edited by William Maclean