What is a BNO passport?
BNO passport is "British National (Overseas) passport", English: British National (Overseas) passport, abbreviated as BN (o). BNO passport is a British National (Overseas) passport issued to Hong Kong residents on July 1, 1987 in response to the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong. There are about 3.44 million Hong Kong residents with British National (Overseas) status, while there are about 1.5 million Hong Kong residents with such passports.
In short, BNO passport is just a travel document, providing travel convenience. BNO passport is not a citizen's right. It is not the same as ID card. Generally speaking, it only stays in the UK for six months. Of course, the latest 5 + 1 is only extended, not citizenship.
BNO holders cannot transfer this status to their children.
On July 22, 2020, the British government issued the British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa policy document, announcing the change of BNO arrangements to provide BNO holders with more right of abode. The relevant measures will be implemented in January 2021. Spokesman of the Chinese Embassy in the UK: China and the UK have exchanged Memoranda on the issue of British National (Overseas) passports. In the memorandum, the UK explicitly promised not to grant the right of abode in the UK to Hong Kong Chinese citizens holding BNO passports. In spite of China's strong opposition and repeated negotiations, the British side provided a path for the relevant personnel to stay and naturalize in the UK, seriously violating its own commitments, seriously interfering in China's internal affairs, and seriously violating international law and the basic norms of international relations.
On July 23, 2020, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that China will consider not recognizing British National (Overseas) passport (BNO) as a valid travel document, and reserves the right to take further measures. On July 30, the Chinese ambassador to the UK reiterated that China would not recognize the Hong Kong BNO passport.
On October 23, 2020, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference of the Ministry of foreign affairs that China will consider not recognizing British nationals' overseas passports as valid travel documents due to the prior breach of British commitments, and reserves the right to take further measures.
