Australia considering safe haven offer for Hong Kongers

As the world watched new protests in Hong Kong streets, against a national security law introduced by Beijing, the United Kingdom and Taiwan both offered assistance to Hong Kongers that wish to leave.

The new law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

On Thursday(July 2), Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia is also considering support.

"We do find these events very concerning and we've been very clear about our statements that in concert with many other nations. This is not a position Australia has commented on in isolation. We've done so with many other like minded countries about these events."

Morrison says they will offer "safe haven visas" to those who want to exit the former British colony and said they were putting the final touches on the proposal.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the legislation is aimed at a few "troublemakers" and will not affect rights and freedoms.

Critics fear it will crush freedoms and the city's independent legal system.

The law has also sparked outcry from the United States and the European Union, who have warned of serious consequences over the law.

Britain said it would stand by its word and offer all those in Hong Kong with British National Overseas status a special immigration route where they can stay for five years to live and work in Britain.

The BNO passports were created when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China 23 years ago.

It follows British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab's comments on Wednesday accusing China of breaking its promises to the people of Hong Kong.

Britain and Canada also updated their travel advisories for Hong Kong yesterday, saying there was an increased risk of detention.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke in parliament Wednesday.

"The enactment and imposition of this national security law constitutes a clear and serious breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. It violates Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy."

Hong Kong police arrested more than 300 people on Wednesday -- the first day the law was in effect -- as protesters turned out in the thousands calling for freedom.

Police say nine of the arrests were for violations of the new law.