U.K. Announces New Option For Certain Hong Kong Passport Holders

The UK government announced a new visa policy allowing Hongkongers with British National Overseas passports and their families to live and work in the UK for five years, with a path to citizenship. This move is a response to China's national security law, which is seen as undermining Hong Kong's autonomy. The policy extends the previous six-month stay to five years, after which individuals can apply for settled status and citizenship. China's Foreign Ministry criticized the move as a violation of international law, while the UK maintains it is upholding its promise to Hong Kong residents.

What was the reason behind the UK's decision to extend a path to citizenship for Hong Kong residents?

What promise did the UK government make to Hong Kong residents?