LONDON (Reuters) – Britain has pledged £ 43 million ($ 59 million) to help people arriving from Hong Kong find jobs, homes and schools under an initiative that could relocate millions after China introduced new security laws into the country. former British colony.
An escalating duel with Beijing over reforms in Hong Kong has opened Britain’s doors to potentially more than 5 million people, giving them the chance to live and work in the country and eventually to apply for citizenship.
Most of the money announced on Thursday will be spent by local government on programs to help support English languages and housing costs for new arrivals. The government will also launch 12 virtual regional offices to assist with tasks such as registering for health care and schools.
These ‘Welcome Hubs’ will also provide advice on how to set up businesses in Britain.
“This program will ensure that UK national (overseas) status holders and their families get off to the best start as soon as they arrive, and support to help them find a home, schools for their children, opportunities and prosperity,” said Robert Jenrick, Minister of communities, said. .
Britain says Chinese-imposed security laws and democratic reforms in Hong Kong violated the terms of the agreement in which the semi-autonomous city was returned to China in 1997. Ministers say the visa program is a way to honor its side of the deal.
China has reacted angrily to the offer, saying the West’s views on its actions towards Hong Kong are being clouded by misinformation and an imperial catastrophe.
Since its launch in January, approximately 27,000 people have applied for the new visa since 19 March. Although the total estimates of demand are uncertain, the government predicts between 258,000 and 322,000 applicants over five years.
The program is available to 2.9 million people classified as British National (Overseas) – a special status specifically related to Hong Kong – and another 2.3 million dependents eligible.
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Reporting by William James, Editing by William Maclean