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Britain Upholding 'Freedom and Autonomy' With New HK Visas

Agence France-Presse

   LONDON - Britain's government vowed Friday to stand by the people of
   its former colony, Hong Kong, against a Chinese crackdown as it
   prepared to launch a new visa scheme potentially benefiting millions.

   Starting Sunday, holders of British National (Overseas) status -- a
   legacy of British rule over Hong Kong up to 1997 -- will be able to
   apply to live and work in Britain for up to five years, and eventually
   seek citizenship.

   Before the change, BN(O) passport holders have had only limited rights
   to visit Britain for up to six months and not to work or settle.

   Britain says it is acting in response to the National Security Law
   imposed by China last year, which has devastated Hong Kong's democracy
   movement and shredded freedoms meant to last 50 years under the 1997
   handover accord.

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