Morrison offers Hongkongers path to residency in wake of new laws

China has accused Scott Morrison of breaching international law over his offer of extended work rights to Hongkongers fleeing the security clampdown.

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has offered Hong Kongers a safe haven. Picture: Andrew Tayoe/NCA NewsWire

China’s embassy in Australia has accused Scott Morrison of breaching international law over his offer of extended work rights to Hong Kongers fleeing China’s security clampdown, saying Canberra’s intervention would amount to “lifting a rock only to hit its own feet.”

Australia has torn up its extradition agreement with Hong Kong as Beijing’s crackdown on national security intensifies, and Hong Kong nationals with skilled and graduate temporary visas in Australia will be offered an immediate five-year visa extension.

The Prime Minister said earlier on Thursday that China’s new Hong Kong security laws – which effectively ban criticism of mainland China in the autonomous territory – constituted a “fundamental change of circumstances”.

Hours later, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Canberra said Mr Morrison’s actions were “groundless” and “gross interference” in China’s internal affairs.

“China strongly deplores and opposes the groundless accusations and measures announced by the Australian government with regard to Hong Kong, which is a serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs,” the Embassy spokesman said.

“As we have repeatedly stated that the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR will strengthen Hong Kong’s legal framework, ensure social order, improve business environment, contribute to Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability and the steady implementation of “One country, Two systems” principle.”

The Embassy’s spokesman also said the federal government must stop “meddling” in Hong Kong’s affairs or it would face consequences.

“Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs. The Australian side has been clanking that they oppose “foreign interference”. However they have blatantly interfered in China’s internal affairs by making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong related issues.

“We urge the Australian side to immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs under any pretext or in any way. Otherwise it will lead to nothing but lifting a rock only to hit its own feet.”

Morrison offers HK path to residency

Earlier, Australia tore up its extradition agreement with Hong Kong as Beijing’s crackdown on national security intensifies.

Mr Morrison said the national security law constituted a “fundamental change of circumstances.”

“We have formally notified Hong Kong and advised Chinese authorities,” he told reporters at a press conference.

It comes after Beijing’s controversial national security law, which silences criticism of China, was imposed on the region last week.

The new law criminalises acts of “subversion and secession,” “terrorism” and “collusion” with foreign forces with potential life imprisonment. The law triggered a fresh wave of protests in Hong Kong.

Australia is extending visas for those on skilled or student visas

Hong Kong nationals with skilled and graduate temporary visas in Australia will be offered an immediate five-year visa extension, with a pathway to permanent residency.

The announcement follows China’s security crackdown on the region with a draconian law that was imposed last week.

Mr Morrison said the changes would apply to current and future students.

The Prime Minister said arrangements would be enacted to help Hong Kong applications study and work in regional areas to address skills shortages.

“Our immigration system is the best in the world. It has the best controls, it has the best targeting, it has the best focus,” he said.

Mr Morrison said there were currently 10,000 Hong Kongers living in Australia.

The decision follows British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that the country would create paths to UK citizenship to up to three million Hong Kong British nationals who may flee new laws outlawing criticism of China. China’s Ambassador to the UK responded to the moving by calling it a “gross interference.”

Mr Morrison said a five-year-visa with a pathway to permanent residency would be provided for future temporary skilled visas, subject to meeting the requirements of an updated skills list.

The federal government will also explore incentives to attract “export-oriented” Hong Kong-based businesses to relocate to Australia.

“If there are businesses that wish to relocate to Australia, creating jobs, bringing investment, creating opportunities for Australia, then we will be very proactive in seeking to encourage that,” Mr Morrison said.

The Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said the visa changes would “generate more wealth and more jobs for Australians.”