Hong Kong is separate from mainland China as a "Special Administrative Region" (SAR) under the "one country, two systems" principle established during the 1997 handover from British rule. This framework allows Hong Kong to maintain its own capitalist economic system, legal system, currency, and, for 50 years (until 2047), a high degree of autonomy.
The event of Hong Kong becoming part of the People's Republic of China marks a significant transition in the region's history. After being a British colony for over 150 years, Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1, 1997, following a series of negotiations between British and Chinese officials.
Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) controlled by the People's Republic of China and enjoys limited autonomy. When British rule ended, Hong Kong was given a certain degree of autonomy from mainland China under the "one country, two systems" principle.
There is resentment in Hong Kong towards the mainland over convergence and assimilation, as well as the increasing interference from the government of China and its ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Hong Kong's internal affairs.
This divide stems from the fact that, culturally, Hong Kong is its own thing, proudly distinct from mainland China. While most Hong Kongers consider themselves Chinese, they do not consider themselves a part of China.
Why did Britain Handover Hong Kong to China? (Short Animated Documentary)
Are Hong Kongers British citizens?
British nationality law as it pertains to Hong Kong has changed over time since it became a British colony in 1842. Hongkongers were given various nationality statuses, such as British subjects, Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies, British Dependent Territories Citizen and British Nationals (Overseas).
Rights and restrictions. Permanent residents have the unrestricted right to live and work in Hong Kong and cannot be deported from the territory, regardless of their nationality.
Britain returned Hong Kong to China because the 99-year lease on the vital New Territories was expiring in 1997, making it impractical to separate them from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; facing a powerful China that wanted all territories back, Britain negotiated the "One Country, Two Systems" agreement to ensure Hong Kong's capitalist system and autonomy for 50 years, preventing economic collapse and a potential invasion.
If you are from Hong Kong and a British National (Overseas) you and your family members can apply for a British National (overseas) visa. This is known as a BNO visa. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK.
In March 2022, Xia Baolong, head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said that after 2047, the "one country, two systems" could be extended by another 50 years, until 2097. In July 2022, Leung Chun-ying, former chief executive, said that he expected the system to be extended past 2047.
The non-Chinese Mainland Travel Permit is open to all nationalities and age groups, as long as you are a non-Chinese permanent resident of Hong Kong or Macau and wish to travel to Mainland China for short-term purposes. If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Reasons cited in favour of maintaining Hong Kong as part of China include: Legality: Article 1 of the Hong Kong Basic Law states that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. Any advocacy for Hong Kong separating from China has no legal basis.
Its economy is slightly larger than Chile's or Romania's and its GDP per capita at purchasing power parity was the twelfth highest globally in 2023. By the latter measure, its GDP per capita was higher than those of the Netherlands, and slightly lower than Brunei.
Are Hong Kong citizens considered Chinese citizens?
Yes, most Hong Kong residents, particularly those of Chinese descent born in Hong Kong, are considered Chinese citizens under Chinese nationality law, even if they hold foreign passports for travel, though China generally doesn't recognize dual nationality and requires declarations for foreign citizenship status. Since the 1997 handover, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, making its residents Chinese nationals, but they possess distinct residency rights and use HKSAR passports, separate from mainland China.
Yes, Hong Kong is part of China as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, meaning China controls its defense and foreign affairs, but Hong Kong retains its own legal, economic, and social systems, currency, and freedoms (though these have been increasingly curtailed). It officially became part of China on July 1, 1997, after being a British colony.
Yes, British citizens can move to Hong Kong after obtaining a visa. Many secure a job with a Hong Kong-based employer and use the General Employment Policy (GEP). Foreigners who want to start or join a local business can apply for the Investment as Entrepreneur visa.
After the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997, the British National (Overseas) passport became the most popular travel document among the people of Hong Kong. From April 1997 to the end of 2006, the British government has issued a total of 794,457 BN(O) passports.
Britain likely did not think they would ever need to return it. However, 99 years later, China did indeed demand this land back. By this point, most of Hong Kong's population lived in the New Territories, and it was not possible to separate it.
Thousands of Hongkongers emigrated for political reasons after the Chinese government imposed its stringent national security law in 2020. The following year, the UK government changed its policy for those with British National Overseas (BNO) status, extending opportunities to live and work in the UK.
What nationality are you if you were born in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong residents who are of Chinese descent and were born in the Chinese territories (including Hong Kong), or persons who satisfy the criteria laid down in the CNL as having Chinese nationality, are Chinese nationals.
Q1 visa. This type of visa is issued to family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residency. The length of stay is more than 180 days. The Q1 is a single entry visa, and the holder must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry.
