The UK Government has announced a significant expansion of its Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa route, enabling thousands more Hong Kong residents to relocate to the UK.
In a statement released today, the Home Office explained that adult children of BNO status holders who were under 18 at the time of Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China can now apply independently of their parents. The expansion also extends to their partners and children, allowing entire families to move to the UK together. The government said this change closes previous eligibility gaps that led to unfair outcomes, where some children could resettle while others could not.
It is estimated that over 25,000 people may arrive in the UK from Hong Kong under this expanded route over the next five years.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the expansion reflects the UK’s historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong and will give more families the opportunity to start new lives amid ongoing concerns over rights and freedoms in the territory. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper added that the move directly addresses gaps in eligibility that previously prevented some children from reuniting with their families in the UK.
Since 2021, over 230,000 individuals have been granted BNO visas, with nearly 170,000 already making the move to Britain.
The announcement comes on the same day that Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and prominent pro-democracy campaigner in Hong Kong, was sentenced to 20 years in prison under the city’s National Security Law. The UK Government noted that this law has criminalised dissent, prompting many residents to consider leaving Hong Kong.
Thomas Benson of Hong Kong Watch welcomed the expansion, stating: “We have been raising this issue with the Home Office for over two years, and we are pleased that BNO families separated by the eligibility gap will finally be able to reunite in the UK. It is sad, of course, that it has taken the sentencing of Jimmy Lai for this move to be made. Nevertheless, for thousands of children of BNOs who have been separated from their families, this is heartwarming news, and we are pleased to see this gap in the BNO policy finally closed.”
LawSentis’ perspective:
At LawSentis, we welcome the UK Government’s decision to expand the BNO visa route. This development is a crucial step toward family reunification and fairness for those impacted by previous eligibility restrictions. For Hong Kong residents seeking to move to the UK, this expansion provides a valuable opportunity to secure a safe and stable future. Our team is available to guide applicants through every step of the BNO visa process, ensuring that families can navigate the requirements smoothly and efficiently.
News Source: Electronic Immigration Network