In a recent controversy, several Chinese immigrants in the UK have been accused of using false claims to expedite their path to citizenship. This has sparked debates and concerns within the immigrant community and beyond.
A post on social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as “Little Red Book,” showcased an immigrant who claimed to have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK in less than three years by alleging domestic abuse. The post, which included an image of a Residence Permit, quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism and skepticism.
The user stated, “After enduring five months of waiting, I finally received it! By claiming domestic abuse, you can directly get permanent residency, and it’s permanent, not just for ten years.” This revelation has prompted a mix of outrage and disbelief among netizens, with many questioning the legitimacy of the claims and the authenticity of the shared document.
Community Reactions
The reaction from the community has been swift and varied. Here are some of the notable comments from the largest Facebook group for Hong Kong immigrants in the UK, 香港人移民英國資訊分享:
- Chiu: “Someone I know used this method and just got their house this month.”
- Lam: “How can someone be so shameless?”
- Chan: “If someone gets ILR for being abused, does the abuser have to go to jail?”
- Fai: “Ever since the LOTR scheme, there have been many fake marriages among BNO visa holders with Chinese passports. The Home Office is aware of this. Thank this locust for ruining the rules!”
Many users called for immediate reporting of such cases to authorities:
- Hung: “This is something we can’t change. We Hong Kong people should stick to our principles, unite, and keep our distance from such people!”
- Wu: “Report them quickly!”
- Cung: “Transfer this to MI5 about this Chinese spy.”
- Ma: “The photo… hair covering the face and eyes, wouldn’t this get flagged? Are they using Photoshop to trick their compatriots?”
Such claims could potentially undermine the integrity of the immigration system. Authorities are expected to investigate these reports thoroughly to ensure that the legal processes for obtaining ILR and citizenship are not being exploited.
As the debate continues, it remains crucial for immigrants to adhere to the legal pathways for residency and citizenship. Exploiting loopholes not only damages individual reputations but also affects the broader immigrant community. Vigilance and adherence to the law will help maintain a fair and just system for all.
For more discussion on this topic, visit the largest Facebook group for Hong Kong immigrants in the UK: 香港人移民英國資訊分享.
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