Dual Nationals in Hong Kong

This article explores the number of dual nationals in Hong Kong. The figures show that around 150,000 people are dual nationals, which means they have a permanent abode in Hong Kong and a passport to their parents’ country. Such dual nationals are Hong Kong citizens but maintain citizenship in their parents’ countries. Thus, they have both a native and a foreign identity. Hong Kong has traded mainly on its Western and Chinese identities. The city is proud of its multicultural past and does not invest much in crude nationalism.

150,000

The population of dual citizens in Hong Kong has exploded over the last decade. The majority of dual citizens live in countries with a relatively large number of citizens. Most of these dual citizens are return migrants who originally immigrated to Hong Kong and are now assimilated into «Western» cultures. In addition, most of them speak English fluently. They are also familiar with Hong Kong culture and are likely to be highly skilled.

Traditionally, migration from Hong Kong is seen as a route to a foreign passport. However, most Hong Kong immigrants are young to middle-aged professionals with good education and skills. Many high-skilled return migrants have made Hong Kong their home. According to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong SAR government in 2000, most of these people held senior positions in their respective companies, and more than half held university degrees. In addition to the high-paid jobs, many return migrants were already in management positions before emigration.

Another key factor contributing to the high number of overseas residents in Hong Kong is the strict quarantine regulations in Hong Kong. Chinese officials have imposed a national security law in Hong Kong that will come into effect in June 2020. The British government has responded to this by offering Hong Kong residents a more extended stay in the country and a pathway to citizenship. Some of the immigrants who are most eager to leave include parents with young children. Midland Realty offers legal assistance to those who wish to migrate to the U.K. The senior director of its business strategy said that the company is shipping nearly 30,000 BNO documents to applicants with plans to have more than 50,000 applications by 2020.

The British government is expanding the visa scheme for people with BNOs. Before the security law came into effect, around 350,000 Hong Kong residents had a BNO document issued before the British handed the city back to China. This document, published before the British handover of the town in 1997, is now accepted by almost 15 countries. Moreover, the British government plans to extend the scheme to include young people with a parent who holds a B.N. (O) passport.

B.N. (O) status

Applicants applying for the B.N. (O) status of foreign passports in Hong Kong must have sufficient financial resources to meet all the visa requirements. This requirement is met if an applicant has lived in the U.K. for at least 12 months. Dependent children and grandchildren may also apply if they are younger than 18.

Several hardline mainland officials have recently arrived in Hong Kong, which may indicate more changes to come. The new mainland officials include anti-corruption chief Shi Kehui and Xia Baolong, known for demolishing churches on the Chinese mainland. A senior Western diplomat described the move as belligerent and a slap in the face of freedom of religion. However, the Foreign Office said that it was not surprised by China’s decision not to recognize British passports but was a ‘clear sign of the increasing isolation and unrest in the territory.

The Hong Kong government’s website lists the countries eligible for the BNO scheme. A BNO passport can be accepted by Japan, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Hungary, and Singapore. The U.K. government has not confirmed whether it will take the letter from these countries. In the past, the U.K. government imposed strict requirements for visa applications for B.N. (O) passport holders, but it now recognizes BNOs for specific purposes.

Before the security law passed, around 350,000 people held B.N. (O) passports. These people were born before July 1, 1997. The Home Office estimates that by 2020, there will be 2.9 million B.N. (O) passport holders in Hong Kong — roughly 40% of the entire population. In October, the U.K. government will expand the program eligibility for B.N. (O) passports to include young people with a B.N. (O parent.

B.N. (O) holders

B.N. (O) status is a form of British nationality for Hong Kong residents, created for those born outside of the territory but wanted to maintain ties to the U.K. after the handover. The status is valid for ten years, and B.N. (O) holders can continue to hold BDTC status by applying for this new type of passport. Those with B.N. (O) passports can travel freely within the U.K. but cannot emigrate outside the territory.

B.N. (O) passport holders in Hong Kong may travel outside the territory, although China does not recognize dual nationality. This is a rare situation, but Hong Kong citizens may hold more than one passport. Generally, they must apply for a B.N. (O) passport if they plan to travel outside the territory. While it is not illegal to travel to another country, it is not a good idea to use a B.N. (O) passport.

While the U.K.’s B.N. (O) scheme was initially less restrictive than other immigration policies, Hong Kong residents may benefit. It has already been estimated that around three million Hong Kong residents may move to the U.K. under the scheme, bringing billions of dollars of capital with them. Despite the positive implications, Beijing has threatened retaliation. In response to the move, the U.K. government has said it may ban B.N. (O) passport holders from public positions, including politicians. The move comes just days before the new scheme opens.

Applicants with B.N. (O) status in Hong Kong may be able to bring their family members with them to the U.K. if they apply for a Hong Kong B.N. (O) Visa. All family members must use it together, as one. The principal applicant is responsible for applying for the visa and will receive a unique reference number for the family members to quote. Once the principal applicant has submitted their application, family members can go to a VAC or UKVCAS location and claim their visas.

B.N. (O) application scheme

The B.N. (O) application scheme for foreign citizenship is a way for Chinese nationals living in Hong Kong to travel freely within the country. It has been established by memoranda of understanding attached to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and Hong Kong passport holders have free access to more than 150 countries via this passport. The scheme is valid for six months, and the applicant must have lived in Hong Kong at the time of application.

The British government has agreed to extend the B.N. (O) application scheme in Hong Kong to accommodate those born after 1997. This move has caused a backlash in Hong Kong and elsewhere. Protesters in the city included the city’s younger generation, who wanted to be part of the change in their country. But the new immigration scheme has a dark side. The Chinese government may be concerned that B.N. (O) passport holders may be able to abuse the privileges of their passports.

The B.N. (O) application scheme for foreign citizenship in Hong Kong could undermine the rights of B.N. (O) passport holders and other foreigners in the city. This measure could affect over 250,000 Hong Kong residents, causing social unrest and severely depleting the civil service. Aside from this, the new policy will also make it more difficult for the Chinese government to grant visas to foreign nationals.

Applicants must also be B.N. (O) citizens. This visa is granted to those who have a permanent address in Hong Kong, the U.K., the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man and have dependent children or grandchildren living with them. If they are not B.N. (O) citizens, their parents cannot apply as dependents for B.N. (O) passports in Hong Kong.

Number of B.N. (O) holders

According to the Home Office, there is approximately 5.4 million BN(O) holders in Hong Kong. This visa allows them to live in Britain for five years, after which they can apply for British citizenship. As of March, there were about 7,200 BN(O) applicants in Hong Kong. The latest figures, however, are based on requests for certification of no criminal record and do not include dual passport holders.

Once these changes take effect, B.N. (O) passports will no longer be valid in Mainland China and Macau. If they leave Hong Kong, the British government will no longer recognize them as PRC nationals. In the meantime, they will have to use a Hong Kong Identity Card or Mainland Travel Permit to travel to the mainland. However, British consulates cannot legally offer consular assistance to Hong Kong B.N. (O) citizens if they are detained on the continent.

A recent survey by the U.K. Home Office reveals that fewer than half of all Hong Kong B.N. (O) holders have the right to vote. The B.N. (O) passport has never entirely been accepted for travel to mainland China. The ethnic Chinese community in Hong Kong also relies on a «home return» permit rather than a passport to travel there. However, many have suggested that further steps are on the way. The Beijing government has reportedly considered stripping BN(O) passport holders of their Hong Kong voting rights.

Unlike other types of citizenship, the British National (Overseas) nationality is a permanent resident of Hong Kong. It was not widely used until 1997, when British citizens had to register for it. During this time, B.N. (O) passports accounted for nearly 15% of all newly issued H.K. passports. In June 1997, permanent residents were given ten years to register as B.N. (O)s.

Many travelers ask, «Do Chinese people visit Macao and Hong Kong?» This article focuses on the perceptions of Mainland Chinese tourists to these destinations. We will examine the influences of Beijing on the cosmopolitan region and the attraction of Macao as a tourist destination. Here are some facts about the political divisions in China. You might be surprised at what you learn.

Chinese people visit Macao and Hong Kong.

For travel advice, please visit the websites of the U.S. State Department and the Macao SAR Government. These two organizations have information on entry and exit requirements for the territory and general travel information. If you’re a citizen of the United States, you don’t need a visa to visit Hong Kong and Macau, as long as your trip is less than 90 days. For more information, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

In Macau, Portuguese architecture is also prominent, with churches and cathedrals. Chinese temples and restored colonial villas coexist with Portuguese-style buildings. The Peninsula has a barrier gate linking it to the mainland, which connects the two territories. Monte Fort is a popular tourist attraction, and St. Paul’s Cathedral was destroyed in 1835. UNESCO has designated the area as a World Heritage Site.

In Hong Kong, the Chinese government and pro-establishment parties dominate affairs. Hong Kong’s Chinese-language media is mainly government-funded, while Macau’s is less constrained by political pressures. The small size of the territory discourages dissonant voices and forces. Meanwhile, the population of Macau is overwhelmingly pro-China, but some residents protest against the government and demand that Beijing intervene in the dispute. There were even protests last August when a group of people tried to rally in support of Hong Kong, but the government seized the square.

Macau has undergone a gradual «mainland nation» as a former Portuguese colony. It is now over 90% Chinese, and its natives speak Cantonese. Portuguese speakers represent a small minority. However, Chinese people use Hong Kong as a cultural reference instead. In addition, the Chinese population is often influenced by Hong Kong. You may also notice that Chinese people visit Macau and Hong Kong as tourist destinations.

Mainland Chinese people can enter Macao and Hong Kong under the Individual Traveller Scheme. This scheme eased restrictions on Chinese citizens visiting Hong Kong and Macao, doubling the number of visitors from 2001 to 2006. Mainland Chinese visitors also represent the majority of tourists in Macao and consistently have the highest spending levels. In 2005, the average spending per head was US$384.

Mainland Chinese travelers’ perceptions of Macao

The differences between the family systems in Macao and Hong Kong are striking, especially among young people. Parents in the gaming industry often leave their children unattended or engage in the services of social services, which eliminates their responsibility for parental education and child care. Among children, the majority are from single-parent families. Nevertheless, many parents sent their kids to Hong Kong for long periods, and they often lost contact with them while in Hong Kong.

In 2009, the city of Macau had over 5000 organized interest groups, which served as the basis for patron-client networks. However, the perception of the two destinations among Mainland Chinese travelers was far different. In addition to the differences in the perception of the two cities, Mainland Chinese travelers also had several misconceptions about the other. According to Loretta Pang, former leader of the Tong Sin Tung, visitors to Macau were more likely to consider Hong Kong an affordable, reputable destination.

Although the two cities are closely related, the differences between the two places are profound. While Hong Kong’s reputation as a casino and gambling destination has remained stable, Macau has struggled to provide a broader range of leisure activities. Despite this, the government of Macau has taken measures to protect and promote its cultural heritage. This includes the designation of the Historic Centre of Macau as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation, however, represents the need to understand how culture is perceived in Macau.

Macao and Hong Kong governance is mainly executive-driven, with the chief executive elected by an Election Committee comprised of labor unions and pro-Beijing business people. The Chief Executive Council is the authority that makes final decisions on tourism and other economic issues. In both places, local business people are appointed to critical advisory committees and the Legislative Council, enabling them to reach a consensus in politics quickly.

Gambling is a significant part of Macao’s history, although the government has done little to encourage gambling. While gambling has been a popular pastime for the Chinese for centuries, the city’s history is primarily characterized by its history as a trading post. While the Portuguese Crown never claimed Macao as a colony, the town was governed exclusively for profit. Although this was not the case in the past, it continues to have an exciting history.

Influence of Beijing on Hong Kong

The economic and financial systems of Hong Kong are distinct from mainland China and are subject to considerable risks arising from the increasing influence of Beijing. This is especially true after recent crackdowns to secure Beijing’s control over the region’s resources. Beijing’s crackdown concerns the business community, which has a significant presence in Hong Kong. While the mainland’s financial sector is still one of the largest, the financial sector of Hong Kong has become a source of worry for multinational companies.

While Chinese Communist Party officials do not preside over Hong Kong, Beijing has exerted influence in the territory through loyalists. Beijing has retained the right to interpret the Basic Law but has rarely exercised this power. Since the protests of 2014, the government has started prosecuting protest leaders and expelled several new legislators. Efforts to curb protests have intensified, with the government increasing its media censorship.

This Chinese influence is often characterized by regular commercial trade and the proliferation of corrupt practices. Local actors have stepped in to sabotage these projects. In addition, Beijing has imposed its political agenda on these new economies. The repressive economic environment has forced many Chinese businesses to relocate to Hong Kong. While the Chinese government is eager to ensure that Hong Kong’s economic growth does not dwindle, they continue to seek ways to strengthen and expand their ties with the mainland.

In May 2021, the authorities made it easier for pro-Beijing candidates to be elected to district councils. The new legislation would disqualify district council members who refused to take the oath. Since district councils are the only representative bodies in Hong Kong, the government would have to reimburse the cost of their expenses if disqualified. The legislation resulted in more than 260 disqualifications.

The latest crackdowns by Beijing have made it difficult for Hong Kong to forge independent external relations. Beijing has been trying to turn Hong Kong into a mainland-style Chinese city while suppressing local protests. Fortunately, Hong Kongers have fought back and won many victories over Beijing. However, the international community has largely failed to respond. Beijing has limited Hong Kong’s freedoms of speech and assembly in exchange for economic benefits.

The attractiveness of Macao to Chinese tourists

In addition to being an important tourist destination for tourists from other Asian countries, Macau is also famous among mainland Chinese. Most visitors to the territory hail from China, with mainland Chinese tourists accounting for 58.4% of the total visitor numbers in October 2008. However, this percentage has decreased considerably over the past decade, with Mainland Chinese visitors making up a smaller percentage of visitors in the past year. This decline in mainland Chinese visitors does not mean that Macau has lost its attractiveness to the rest of the world.

Macao retains many cultural and religious institutions from its Portuguese colonial rule despite its predominantly Chinese population. For instance, the city’s Monte Fort is a stunning example of medieval architecture. The nearby Ruins of St. Paul’s Church, which was burned down in 1835, still feature beautiful reliefs and are home to the underground tomb of Catholic martyrs. The Museum of Macau is a short walk from St. Paul’s Church and is an excellent exhibition on the history of Macau.

Aside from its rich history as a gambling city, Macao is also a cultural hub. The town has Portuguese architectural sites, ancient Chinese temples, and other historical sites, and its cultural identity has been trademarked. There is also a growing interest in the intangible heritage associated with the city, including Chinese festivals and cuisine. The city’s infrastructure also needs a makeover, but it remains a popular destination for Chinese tourists.

Another landmark of Macao is the Buddhist Shrine of the Four Faces. The Pak Tai Temple, built-in 1844, is incredible with its rich decorations. Visitors are also welcome to visit the Tin Hau Temple, which dates back 180 years. While visiting Macau, tourists may also wish to check out the Taipa House Museum, a fully restored colonial house. The Taipa House Museum features exciting displays of traditional Macau homes.

Another major attraction of Macao is its proximity to Hong Kong. The city is now linked to mainland China through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, making it accessible for visitors. While visiting Macau, tourists should consider extending their trip to the city overnight. There are plenty of attractions, but some may be closed due to health-related global issues. Macau is a popular destination for Chinese tourists who have an adventurous spirit.