China no longer recognises UK-issued Hong Kong passports

Beijing and London embroiled in bitter feud about the status of residents from the former British colony

Protesters march during a rally against a controversial extradition law proposal in Hong Kong on June 9 2019. AFP

A woman shouts at police officers as they advance towards protesters in the district of Yuen Long on July 27, 2019 in Hong Kong. Getty

A resumption of city-wide unrest is unlikely as activists reel from mass arrests, coronavirus bans on public gatherings and a looming national security law. AFP

Riot police fire tear gas towards protesters in the district of Yuen Long on July 27, 2019 in Hong Kong. Getty

June 2020 marks a year since pro-democracy protests erupted. AFP

A protester marches with a placard during a rally against a controversial extradition law proposal in Hong Kong in 2019. AFP

Hong Kong on June 9, 2020, marks a year since pro-democracy protests erupted. AFP

Protesters gesture as they chant "no extradition" as they rally against a controversial extradition law proposal in Hong Kong on June 9 2019. AFP

A resumption of city-wide unrest is unlikely as activists reel from mass arrests, coronavirus bans on public gatherings and a looming national security law. AFP

A police officer holds up pepper spray as he attempts to disperse protesters out of the platform at Po Lam Station on September 5, 2019 in Hong Kong. Getty

Hong Kong witnessed its largest street protest in at least 15 years on June 9 2019 as crowds massed against plans to allow extraditions to China. AFP

Demonstrators gather at Victoria Park ahead of a protest against a proposed extradition law in Hong Kong, China, on Sunday, June 9, 2019. Bloomberg

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam announced the formal withdrawal of the controversial extradition bill after 13 weeks of demonstrations. Getty

One year ago, a sea of humanity, a million people by some estimates, marched through central Hong Kong on a steamy afternoon. AP

The protests surpassed the Umbrella Movement six years ago, becoming the biggest political crisis since Britain handed its onetime colony back to China in 1997. Getty

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam apologises for introducing the bill and declares it "dead", but protests continued in the streets. Getty

China will no longer recognise UK-issued passports for Hong Kong residents as a form of identification as a bitter feud between London and Beijing develops over the status of millions of citizens.

The decision means British National Overseas passports will no longer be a valid travel document. The news came two days before the UK begins taking long-term visa applications from residents of Hong Kong that could pave the way to British citizenship for up to 5.4 million people.

Interest in the BNO visas, which would allow successful applicants to live and work in the UK for five years, soared when China introduced new security laws after pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Beijing said these security measures are needed to return stability and safety in the former British colony.

“The British side’s attempt to turn a large number of Hong Kong people into second-class British citizens has completely changed the nature of the two sides’ original understanding of BNO,” said Zhao Lijian, China’s foreign ministry spokesman.

“This move seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, grossly interferes in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs, and seriously violates international law and the basic norms of international relations.

“China will no longer recognise the so-called BNO passport as a travel document and proof of identity, starting from January 31, and reserves the right to take further measures.”

About 300,000 people are expected to leave Hong Kong for the UK through the new visa.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “immensely proud” to offer the new route for people from Hong Kong “to live, work and make their home in our country”.

“In doing so we have honoured our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for freedom and autonomy – values both the UK and Hong Kong hold dear,” he said.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are disappointed but not surprised by the Chinese decision not to recognise British National (Overseas) passports.

“Despite China’s announcement, BN(O)s and their families will be able to use documentation other than BN(O) passports to take up this visa. People with BN(O) status now have a choice to come and live, work and study in the UK. We look forward to welcoming those who wish to settle here.”