Brits fear BNO route opens window for China spies

Chinese spies are posing as refugees in an attempt to enter the United Kingdom through a resettlement scheme designed for Hongkongers, a London-based newspaper reported.

British government sources told The Times they are aware of sleeper agents applying for British National (Overseas) visas under the pretense of seeking refuge.

"There are stringent background checks in place for the visa applications - and they're in place for a reason," the sources said.

Under the BNO visa route, an estimated 2.9 million BNO status holders and 2.3 million dependents are eligible to live, work and study in Britain.

After five years, they will be able to apply for settlement and, after a further year, citizenship.

The UK's Home Office said there are safeguards in place in the BNO visa application process to ensure it is free from abuse and to help those most in need.

Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, said people who fear the Chinese Communist Party will seek to place informers that steal security secrets in open societies are "entirely justified." He added: "We are dealing with a totalitarian state which uses informers. We should get real about this."

Patten said the BNO scheme was the right response to Beijing's imposition of the national security law.

There were 34,300 submissions received in the first two months since application started on January 31. The majority - 20,000 - were main applicants and 14,300 were dependents.

The Times had interviewed a former Hong Kong district councillor who arrived in Britain in the past 10 days. Without revealing his name, he said he was one of the former district councillors forced to resign for fear of prosecution.

He added he is worried that Beijing will influence the UK Parliament and British values through established Chinese organizations in Britain.

"The party is used to making use of whatever means it has to exert influence on foreign governments for its own benefit . . . perhaps the UK government might consider introducing restrictions on BNO visa holders being involved in political actions against the British national interests," he said.

More than 200 out of 479 district councillors have stepped down this year rather than take an oath, following claims that they could be asked to repay more than HK$1 million in wages and paid expenses if they were disqualified.

Jabez Lam, 65, who helps Hongkongers arriving in the UK, said there were fears some British-based Chinese would report to Beijing on recent arrivals.

Lam said Hongkongers who have moved to the UK would not know which British organizations are neutral or pro-Chinese Communist Party.

Most of the arrivals could have post-traumatic stress disorder from the "oppression, persecution and suppression" in Hong Kong, he said, adding the UK should also be wary of admitting Hong Kong police.

Benny Cheung Ka-hei, director of Goldmax Immigration Consulting, said Hongkongers' interest to move to the UK will not be affected by Chinese spies allegedly attempting to enter the country.

Cheung said due to the scheme's attractiveness, Hongkongers would find it acceptable if the application approval time is extended for several months to strengthen the vetting process.

maisy.mok@singtaonewscorp.com