The UK Government will deliver on its commitment to open a new visa
for Hong Kong BN(O) status holders on Sunday (31 January). The
commitment was made following the Chinese Government’s imposition
of the national security law in Hong Kong last year, in breach of
its commitments under international law.
The visa reflects the UK’s historic and moral commitment to the
people of Hong Kong who have had their rights and freedoms
restricted.
Those with BN(O) status and their eligible family members will be
able to come to the UK to live, study and work. As with other
visas, after five years in the UK, they will be able to apply
for settlement, followed by British citizenship after a further
12 months.
Prime Minister said:
“I am immensely proud that we have brought in this new route for
Hong Kong BN(O)s to live, work and make their home in our
country.
“In doing so we have honoured our profound ties of history and
friendship with the people of Hong Kong, and we have stood up for
freedom and autonomy – values both the UK and Hong Kong hold
dear”
Home Secretary said:
“Global Britain will always stand up for what is right and uphold
our commitments. This new visa delivers on our promise to the
people of Hong Kong, honouring our strong historic relationship
and upholding their freedoms.
“I look forward to welcoming people wanting to put down roots and
build a new life with their family in the UK.”
Foreign Secretary said:
“We have been clear we won’t look the other way when it comes to
Hong Kong. We will live up to our historic responsibility to its
people.
“China’s imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong
constitutes a clear and serious breach of the Sino-British Joint
Declaration contrary to international law.
“With the launch of this new visa route, BN(O) citizens will now
have a choice to come and live, work and study in the UK.”
Applicants for the visa with certain biometric passports will
also be able to apply from home using a smartphone app to scan
their passport rather than having to visit a visa application
centre.
From 23 February, BN(O) status holders and their eligible family
members who hold a biometric BN(O), Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region or European Economic Area (EEA) passport
can scan their passport on the app and complete their application
from home. They will be the first non-EEA citizens to be able to
do so.
The UK committed to this visa following the imposition of the
national security law imposed by the Chinese Government in June
2020, in a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The 1984 declaration is a legally binding treaty which commits to
ensure the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong and
maintain Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy.
From 15 July to 13 January 2021, approximately 7,000 BN(O) status
holders and their dependants have been granted Leave Outside the
Rules at the border. BN(O) status holders will not need to apply
for the new route straight away. We have made the decision to
extend the Leave Outside the Rules at the border scheme until
after the route becomes fully digital.
In addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge, the visa fee
payable to stay for five years will be £250 per person or
applicants will also be able to apply to stay for 30 months which
will cost £180 per person. This is lower than many other visas.
The UK Government is working with civil society groups and others
to welcome BN(O) status holders to all parts of the UK and help
them integrate.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Statistics
- Estimates from an impact
assessment published in October suggested that between
123,000 and 153,700 BN(O) status holders and their dependants
will take up the route in the first year and between 258,000
and 322,400 over five years. This would suggest a net benefit
to the UK of between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over five years.
These numbers are a forecast not a definite finding, there is
uncertainty on the exact volume of applications.
Application process
- From Sunday at around midday (UK time), those eligible can
apply online and will need to book an appointment to attend a
visa application centre to provide their fingerprints.
- From 23 February, those eligible can apply online and use the
“UK
Immigration: ID Check” smartphone app for iPhone or Android
to scan their biometric passport instead of attending a visa
application centre.
- BN(O) applicants are expected to be self-sufficient and will
need to show that they can accommodate and sustain both
themselves and their dependants, for at least six months upon
arrival to the UK, and must have no serious criminal convictions.
More information on eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/british-nationals-overseas-in-hong-kong
