House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa and Suspension of Extradition Treaty with Hong Kong
22 July 2020 · Home Office
Proposed by Priti Patel Con Witham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK government plans to introduce a new Hong Kong BN(O) Visa in January 2021.
- The UK intends to suspend the extradition treaty with Hong Kong until assurances are given about its implications under the new National Security Law.
- Priti Patel is laying before the House a command paper detailing these measures.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the UK government's response to China's national security legislation imposed on Hong Kong, including plans for a new Hong Kong BN(O) Visa and suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
Action requested
I am laying before the House a command paper providing details on a new Hong Kong BN(O) Visa which will open for applications in January 2021. Additionally, I am notifying the Hong Kong Department of Justice of our intention to suspend the extradition treaty until assurances are provided regarding its implications under the new National Security Law.
Key facts
- The Chinese government imposed national security legislation on Hong Kong.
- A new bespoke Hong Kong BN(O) Visa will be available from January 2021, offering generous terms without skills tests or minimum income requirements.
- The UK is suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong indefinitely until assurances are given regarding the impact of China's National Security Law.