A journalist for more than 30 years, Cliff Buddle began his career as a court reporter in London and moved to Hong Kong in 1994 to join the SCMP.
The announcement of stricter rules for migrants wishing to settle in Britain has ended a lamentable period of anxiety and uncertainty for former Hong Kong residents forging a new life in the country.
When the plans were first proposed in May last year, Hongkongers living in the United Kingdom under a special visa scheme for British National (Overseas) passport holders feared there would be drastic changes to their pathway to citizenship.
The proposals, intended to ease public concerns about high levels of immigration, double the standard period of residence required before immigrants are eligible for settlement from five to 10 years.