UK unveils new visa application centre in Guangzhou

The inauguration ceremony of the new visa application centre. (Photo provided by British Consulate-General Guangzhou)

The UK launched a new visa application centre in Guangzhou on Tuesday.  

"The UK continues to welcome Chinese nationals to the UK for visits, work, or study," British Consul-General Sarah Mann said during her congratulatory speech to inaugurate the new centre.

UK Visas and Immigration statistics show that over 500,000 visitor visas were granted to Chinese nationals in the year ending June 2024, more than doubled (+109%) compared to the same period last year.

According to the Consulate, Chinese nationals continue to account for a large proportion of students granted visas to study in the UK, with over 107,000 visas issued in the year ending June 2024.

In her speech, Mann also announced priorities in sectors including innovation, education, retail, and sports, aimed at strengthening UK-China collaboration in key areas of mutual interest.

Among these priorities, next month, the Technology team will lead a UK Tech GBA Trade Mission of six UK tech companies specialising in digital transformation, automation, LED video processing, and flexible organic electronics to exhibit at the China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen.

"Looking ahead, the UK is committed to building sustainable economies, fostering stronger people-to-people relationships, and enhancing trade and investment opportunities in South China," Mann said.

UK trade with China has surged over the past few decades, with goods exports from the UK to China (including Hong Kong) increasing from £4.3 billion in 2000 to over £22 billion in 2023, according to ONS data. Over this period, UK exports grew at an average rate of 8% per year.

As the second-largest European investor and trading partner, Mann emphasized that the UK has strong foundations for building further links with China.