Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his country has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and granting temporary extensions for visa holders from the territory.
Morrison on Thursday announced a range of visas that will be extended from two to five years and offers of pathways to permanent residency visas.
The move is in response to China's imposition of a tough national security law on the semi-autonomous city, which has been viewed by critics as a further deterioration of freedoms promised to the former British colony.
Morrison also told reporters he wanted to bring more investment to his country.
[Clip: Morrison]
"We will also look at new incentives and arrangements to attract export-oriented Hong Kong businesses to relocate to Australia. Particularly where they have a strong potential for future growth and employment of Australians."
The United Kingdom is also extending residency rights for up to 3 million Hong Kongers eligible for British National Overseas passports that will allow them to live and work in the U.K. for five years.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
