was dependent on permanent residency, it is possible for holders of this status to lose right of abode in Hong Kong. Non-Chinese nationals who hold permanent residency or citizenship outside of Hong Kong and have not returned to the territory for more than three years at any time since the transfer of sovereignty automatically lose their right of abode. However, these individuals acquire the right to land, which is identical to the right of abode except that these persons can be subject to a deportation order. BN(O)s subject to a deportation order would lose the right to land and would become effectively stateless if their permanent residency in another country were to lapse or expire. European Union Before the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on 31 January 2020, full British citizens were European Union citizens. British Nationals (Overseas) have never been EU citizens and did not enjoy freedom of movement in other EU countries. They were, and continue to be, exempted from obtaining visas when visiting the Schengen Area. Similarly, while full British citizens may continue to exercise freedom of movement in Ireland (part of the Common Travel Area with the UK), BN(O)s do not have this right. References Citations Sources Legislation Parliamentary debates Publications News articles Correspondence External links British Consulate-General Hong Kong British Hong Kong British nationality law Hong Kong and the Commonwealth of Nations