Australia Ends Hong Kong Extradition Treaty, Extends Visas
Reporter Ron Chang ㅣ 2020-07-09 18:18
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his country has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and granting temporary extensions for visa holders from the territory.
Morrison on Thursday announced a range of visas that will be extended from two to five years and offers of pathways to permanent residency visas.
The move is in response to China's imposition of a tough national security law on the semi-autonomous city, which has been viewed by critics as a further deterioration of freedoms promised to the former British colony.
Morrison also told reporters he wanted to bring more investment to his country.
[Clip: Morrison] "We will also look at new incentives and arrangements to attract export-oriented Hong Kong businesses to relocate to Australia. Particularly where they have a strong potential for future growth and employment of Australians."
The United Kingdom is also extending residency rights for up to 3 million Hong Kongers eligible for British National Overseas passports that will allow them to live and work in the U.K. for five years.