Hongkongers with British National (Overseas) status holders can apply for a UK visa without a BN(O) passport, the UK’s Foreign Office said on Friday, after the Chinese regime declared its derecognition of the BN(O) passport. “We are disappointed but not surprised by the Chinese decision not to recognise British National (Overseas) passports,” the Foreign Office said in a statement emailed to NTD. “Despite China’s announcement, BN(O)s and their families will be able to use documentation other than BN(O) passports to take up this visa. People with BN(O) status now have a choice to come and live, work, and study in the UK. We look forward to welcoming those who wish to settle here.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian earlier on Friday announced that the Chinese regime would no longer recognise the BN(O) passport as a travel document and proof of identity starting from Jan. 31, and “reserves the right to take …