US body recommends Congress to remove all barriers on US visa rule for people of Hong Kong

These residents of the city are attempting to flee in fear of political persecution.

While giving a list of recommendations, the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) in its report ‘2020 Report To Congress of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission’ was quoted as saying by ANI, “The Commission recommends that the Congress direct the Administration to identify and remove barriers to receiving United States visas for Hong Kong residents attempting to exit Hong Kong for fear of political persecution.”

It further urged the Congress to consider “legislation extending political asylum to residents of Hong Kong-born on or after June 30, 1997, who currently cannot apply for a second form of identification beyond a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport”.

“Congress direct the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to produce a report within 90 days assessing the risk of mainland China using Hong Kong to evade or circumvent Section 301 trade enforcement actions or other U.S. trade remedies,” the panel also said.

Speaking on the draconian national security law imposed in Hong Kong, the panel said, “On June 30, 2020, China’s government passed national security legislation for Hong Kong without regards for the rights of the people of Hong Kong or Beijing’s international treaty commitment to grant Hong Kong a “high degree of autonomy.”

"In a bold assertion of power, the Chinese government took steps to implement the national security law immediately after passing it, quickly changing the political, economic, and security landscape for Hong Kong and its citizens.”

Additionally, Hong Kong’s Basic Law provides that any restrictions on rights and freedoms shall not contravene these provisions.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, was handed over to China in 1997, and the Basic Law preserves its autonomy as a Special Administrative Region under the principle of “one country, two systems”.

Bachelet said any national security law should be clear in scope and definition, and only permit restrictions to human rights that are strictly necessary and proportionate.

The UN Human Rights Office has engaged with Beijing on this issue and will continue to monitor the situation.