PM Scott Morrison considers safe haven path for Hong Kong citizens; UK also throws lifeline to Hong Kong citizens

As China’s draconian new security laws take effect, Australia moves to find ways to offer fleeing citizens refuge.

A man is detained by riot police during a demonstration on July 1, 2020 in Hong Kong, China. Hong Kong marks the 23rd anniversary of its handover to China on July 1 after Beijing imposed the new national security law. Picture: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

Australia will consider giving safe haven to Hong Kong citizens after China’s draconian national security laws came into effect.

Scott Morrison said on Thursday federal cabinet will look at a number of proposals on how to best help Hong Kong nationals who may look to move to Australia.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has moved to provide paths to UK citizenship to up to three million Hong Kong British nationals who may flee new laws outlawing criticism of China.

The Prime Minister said he was looking at offering “similar opportunities” in Australia.

“The basic law and the safeguards that were put in place with the handover, we would expect to be upheld,” Mr Morrison said.

“I think that’s a very reasonable position and a very consistent position for the Government … there are proposals that I asked to be brought forward several weeks ago.

“The final touches will be put on those and they’ll soon be considered by Cabinet to provide similar opportunities (to the UK).

“We think that’s important and very consistent with who we are as a people and very

consistent practically with the views that we have expressed.”

Britain’s welcome mat

Earlier, Britain threw open the welcome mat to Hong Kong residents, offering nearly three million people the permanent right to move to and work in the United Kingdom.

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab said it was a historic responsibility to look after the citizens of Hong Kong after the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in Beijing adopted a wide-ranging national security law for Hong Kong.

Mr Raab said the “grave, deeply disturbing” legislation constituted a clear and serious breach of the Joint Declaration. He also said China’s actions were in direct conflict with Article 23 of China’s own Basic Law for Hong Kong which affirmed that Hong Kong should bring forward its own national security legislation.

A man is detained by riot police during a demonstration in Hong Kong last night. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Raab told parliament that the Chinese measures “represent a flagrant assault on freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful protest for the people of Hong Kong”.

“Mr Speaker, the authorities in Hong Kong have already started to enforce this legislation, with reports of arrests by the police, and official notices warning against waving flags or chanting.”

He added the developments undermined international trust in the Chinese government’s willingness to keep its word and live up to its promises.

Today I updated the House on the grave and disturbing situation in Hong Kong. We will continue to bring together our international partners to stand up for the people of Hong Kong, to call out the violation of their freedoms, and to hold China to their international obligations. pic.twitter.com/Yj27b8aAfO

— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) July 1, 2020

“The Prime Minister and the government are crystal clear that the United Kingdom will keep its word. We will live up to our responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong residents and their families will be now able to receive a five-year working visa, after which they can apply for the right to remain and then apply for British citizenship.