Give the British Nationals (Overseas) of Hong Kong full British citizenship.

Closed 16,082 signatures

What the petition asks

People in Hong Kong are in a bad situation with their rights deteriorating and therefore the government should step up and grant people in Hong Kong British citizenship.

The situation in Hong Kong will only continue to get worse and therefore the UK government should step up and give holders of British Nationals (Overseas) status in Hong Kong British citizenship. Lord Goldsmith has said it is legal to give these people of Hong Kong British citizenship.

Government response · 8 June 2020

The UK has a moral obligation to BN(O)s in the face of China’s actions. If proposed legislation is imposed, we will explore options to allow BN(O)s to apply to stay in the UK on a path to citizenship.

The best solution for Hong Kong, and British National (Overseas) (BN(O)s), is full respect for the rights and freedoms set out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

However, if China proceeds to impose a national security law on Hong Kong, this would be in direct conflict with its obligations under that Declaration, a legally binding treaty registered with the United Nations.

If China follows through with its proposed legislation, we will put in place new arrangements to allow BNOs to come to the UK, enabling them to live and apply to study and work for extendable periods of 12 months, thereby also providing a clear pathway to be granted British Citizenship.

Further details will be announced in due course.

Home Office

Timeline

5 Mar 2020	Petition opened for signatures
19 May 2020	Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response
9 Jun 2020	Government responded
5 Sep 2020	Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 16,082

Status Closed

Department Home Office

Opened 5 Mar 2020

Closed 5 Sep 2020

Response 8 Jun 2020

Follow this petition