UK government has confirmed an expansion of the British National (Overseas) visa route, allowing thousands more Hong Kongers to establish their lives in the United Kingdom under an enhanced safe and legal migration pathway.
The revised policy will permit adult children of BN(O) status holders who were under 18 at the time of Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China to apply independently of their parents. Their partners and dependent children will also be eligible under the expanded arrangements. The government estimates that approximately 26,000 individuals may arrive in the UK over the next five years as a result of these changes.
Addressing Previous Gaps in Eligibility
The expansion seeks to correct an anomaly within the existing framework that led to differing outcomes within the same family, where some members qualified under the BN(O) route while others did not. By extending eligibility, the government aims to provide greater consistency and fairness in family resettlement.
Since its launch in 2021, more than 230,000 BN(O) visas have been granted, and nearly 170,000 Hong Kongers have relocated to the UK.
Continued Commitment to Hong Kong
The policy development comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the deterioration of civil liberties and political freedoms in Hong Kong. The recent sentencing of British citizen Jimmy Lai to 20 years imprisonment under the National Security Law has intensified international scrutiny.
The Prime Minister raised Mr Lai’s case directly with President Xi during a recent visit, initiating discussions at the highest diplomatic level. Further engagement is expected to follow in light of the sentencing outcome.
The government has reiterated that the UK will uphold its historic responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong.
Settlement Pathway Maintained
In November, the Home Secretary confirmed that BN(O) visa holders will continue to benefit from a five-year route to settlement. This remains distinct from the newly introduced ten-year standard residence requirement that will apply to most other migrants.
The retention of the five-year pathway reflects the government’s recognition of the unique circumstances surrounding the BN(O) scheme.
Wider Immigration and Humanitarian Reform
The expansion forms part of broader reforms to the UK’s asylum system, described as the most significant in a generation. The government has outlined plans to introduce capped humanitarian routes for individuals fleeing war and persecution. These routes are intended to provide structured and lawful alternatives to irregular and dangerous journeys and are expected to be implemented once border controls have been stabilised.
Alongside the BN(O) scheme:
- The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme was extended by a further year in September. The UK has offered refuge to approximately 310,000 Ukrainians and their families since the conflict began.
- Since 2021, more than 37,000 Afghans and their families have been welcomed, including over 12,000 individuals who supported British forces during operations in Afghanistan.
Government Statements
The Home Secretary stated that the United Kingdom would continue to honour its historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong, noting that the expansion enables more families to rebuild their lives in Britain while maintaining the government’s objective of restoring order and control to the immigration system.
The Foreign Secretary added that, as rights and freedoms in Hong Kong continue to erode, it is appropriate that young people previously excluded due to age restrictions are now able to benefit from resettlement protections.
The expansion of the BN(O) route reinforces the UK’s approach of combining strengthened border management with clearly defined, lawful pathways for those seeking protection and long-term stability.
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