Officials accused Britain of breaching past promises by offering a pathway to eventual citizenship for Hong Kong residents, reports The South China Morning Post.

Online applications opened at 5pm on the British government’s website after months of diplomatic rows. London unveiled its plan last July to take in eligible Hongkongers in the wake of Beijing imposing the national security law, the newspaper reported.

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”.

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: "The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa is now open for applications."

"BNO citizens have the choice to live, work and study in the UK – free to build new lives. This is a proud day in our strong historic relationship as we honour our promise to the people of Hong Kong," she said.