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Hong Kong citizens to receive support to settle in UK

BRITAIN is offering millions of people arriving from Hong Kong a chance to live and work in the country and later also apply for citizenship.

China's imposition of new security laws in Hong Kong has led Britain to start an initiative to resettle five million people.


Moreover, Britain is funding this initiative with 43 million pounds to help the arriving people find jobs, houses and schools.

The bulk of the funds will be spent by the local government on programmes to help with English language support and housing costs for new arrivals. There will also be 12 regional offices launched to help the people register for healthcare and schools.

These 'Welcome Hubs' will also provide advice on how to set up businesses in Britain.

"This programme will ensure British National (Overseas) status holders and their families have the very best start as soon as they arrive, and support to help them find a home, schools for their children, opportunity and prosperity,"  said communities minister Robert Jenrick.

Britain says Chinese-imposed security laws and democracy reforms in Hong Kong have violated the terms of the agreement that saw the semi-autonomous city handed back to China in 1997. Ministers say the visa programme is a way of honouring its side of that deal.

China has reacted angrily to the offer and says the West's views on its actions over Hong Kong are clouded by misinformation and an imperial hangover.

Since its launch in January, around 27,000 people had applied for the new visa as of March 19. Although overall estimates of demand are uncertain, the government forecasts between 258,000 and 322,000 applicants over five years.

The programme is open to 2.9 million people classed as British National (Overseas) - a special status that specifically relates to Hong Kong - and a further 2.3 million eligible dependents.

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Samantha marries Raj Nidimoru

Raj and Samantha leaving the temple after the morning ceremony

Samantha marries Raj Nidimoru in a private wedding at the Isha Foundation ending months of speculation

Highlights:

  • Small morning low-key ceremony in Coimbatore
  • Samantha marries Raj Nidimoru after long speculation and quiet sightings
  • Photos released by the actor show the Isha Foundation wedding in full colour
  • Both have worked together on recent Prime Video and Netflix projects
  • Second marriage for both, handled with restraint and no drama

The news fans kept circling for months finally landed on record on Monday, as Samantha married Raj Nidimoru in a simple, early-morning Isha Foundation wedding in Coimbatore. She posted the pictures on Instagram, the sort of update that settles a rumour without saying much at all.

Samantha marries Raj Nidimoru Raj and Samantha leaving the temple after the morning ceremony Instagram/samantharuthprabhuoffl

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