易邦移民网Why Hong Kongers Are Immigrating to the UK
Introduction:
In recent years, Hong Kong has witnessed a surge in emigration, with many residents choosing to relocate to various countries, including the United Kingdom. This article will explore the underlying factors driving this trend and the reasons why Hong Kongers are opting to make the UK their new home.
1. Political Uncertainty:
The handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 sparked concerns among some Hong Kongers about potential erosion of their freedoms and autonomy. The subsequent implementation of the National Security Law in 2020, aimed at suppressing dissent, further intensified these concerns, prompting many residents to seek stability and security elsewhere.
2. Economic Considerations:
While Hong Kong remains a prosperous financial hub, the city faces increasing economic competition from mainland China. Moreover, the rising cost of living has made it challenging for many Hong Kongers to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Some individuals, particularly young professionals and entrepreneurs, believe that the UK offers greater economic opportunities and a more stable environment for growth.
3. Educational Opportunities:
The UK is renowned for its world-class universities and education system. Hong Kong parents value education highly, and many seek to give their children the best possible educational opportunities. The UK's reputable schools and universities are a major draw for Hong Kong families looking to provide their children with a competitive edge in an increasingly globalized world.
4. Cultural Affinity:
Hong Kong was a British colony for 156 years, and during this time, strong cultural ties were established between the two regions. Many Hong Kongers have family or friends in the UK, and they feel a sense of familiarity with British culture, language, and way of life. This cultural affinity makes it easier for Hong Kongers to adapt to life in the UK compared to other countries.
5. Brexit and the BNO Visa:
In 2018, the UK government announced the creation of the British National (Overseas) visa (BNO visa), which allows holders to live and work in the UK for up to five years and eventually apply for citizenship. This visa was specifically designed for Hong Kongers who had previously held British Dependent Territories citizenship, which was stripped away when Hong Kong was handed over to China. Many Hong Kongers saw the BNO visa as an opportunity to secure a path to residency in the UK and seized the opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives.
Conclusion:
The combination of political uncertainty, economic considerations, educational opportunities, cultural affinity, and the availability of the BNO visa has created a perfect storm that has driven many Hong Kongers to immigrate to the UK. While the decision to leave one's homeland is never easy, Hong Kongers are making this leap of faith in search of stability, security, and a brighter future for themselves and their families.
香港人移民英国后为何仍能保有香港永久居民身份
1. 香港基本法保障
香港基本法第22条规定：“香港特别行政区永久性居民中的中国公民在香港特别行政区享有居留权。”该条文保障了香港永久居民无论在香港或海外均拥有永久居留权。
2. 英国移民政策
英国政府允许香港永久居民获得英国国民（海外）护照（BNO），这是一类特殊的英国护照，适用于1997年香港主权移交前的香港公民。持有BNO护照的人士可以自由往返英国并无限制地停留。
3. 双重国籍
香港允许双重国籍，即香港永久居民可以同时拥有香港和外国国籍。因此，香港人移民英国后，只要继续保有香港永久居民身份，便能保留其香港永久居留权。
4. 移民条例
香港移民条例第11条规定：“任何人在香港以外地区被判处有期徒刑不少于12个月，其香港永久性居民身份即告丧失。但如果该人获赦或刑满释放后已连续居住在香港不少于7年，则其香港永久性居民身份可予恢复。”这意味着，只要香港永久居民不在香港以外地区被判处12个月或以上的刑期，其永久居民身份就不会受到影响。
5. 实际操作
香港入境事务处通常不会主动撤销移民英国的香港永久居民身份。除非有证据表明该居民已放弃其永久居民身份，例如自愿放弃或持续多年不返回香港等。
根据香港基本法、英国移民政策和香港移民条例，香港人即使移民英国，只要继续保有香港永久居民身份，便能同时享受两地的居留权。不过，需要注意的是，是否保留永久居民身份应视个人的具体情况而定。
Why Hong Kongers Are Immigrating to the UK
1. Political Factors
Erosion of civil liberties and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong
Implementation of the National Security Law, which has been criticized for suppressing dissent
2. Economic Concerns
Slowing economic growth and high cost of living in Hong Kong
Economic uncertainty caused by political instability
3. Educational Opportunities
Access to world-class universities and educational institutions in the UK
Opportunity for children to receive a different cultural and educational experience
4. Quality of Life
Perceived better standard of living in the UK, including healthcare, education, and social welfare
Desire for a more spacious and less crowded environment
5. Family Ties
Many Hong Kongers have relatives or friends living in the UK
Desire to be closer to family members or establish a new life in the same country
6. International Recognition
The UK passport oferece visa-free travel to over 180 countries
Hong Kongers seek the convenience and global recognition of a British passport
7. Historical and Cultural Connections
Hong Kong was a British colony for over 150 years
Persistent cultural and historical ties between the two regions
8. Brexit
While Brexit has created some uncertainty, it has also opened up opportunities for Hong Kongers with British National (Overseas) passports to settle in the UK under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act.
