Letter to MP about the settlement requirements

I wish to express deep concern about the Government’s recent proposals to change the settlement requirements for the BN(O) visa route.

Background and involvement in UK 

Hong Kong people have a long and complex constitutional connection with the United Kingdom. Over the years, many of us have held statuses such as British Subject, CUKC, BDTC, and British National (Overseas). These ties reflect a shared history and shared values. Recently a family found that his grandfather was part of the team at HMS Belfast during the Korean war, that's a good proof.

Since 2020, thousands of Hongkongers have moved to the UK with our families, belongings, and life savings. We came here in good faith, believing in the promise the UK Government made when it opened the BN(O) pathway as an act of moral responsibility and historical commitment. Unlike many other visa categories, BN(O) holders cannot access public funds, meaning we must support ourselves fully. Despite this, Hongkongers have made wide-ranging contributions to British society:

Many have joined the NHS, schools, care services, charities, and private businesses.

Others volunteer in churches, community groups, or serve as full-time carers within their families.

Even those who are non-earners still contribute through VAT, council tax, fuel duty, and stamp duty, despite not receiving state support.

Caring for family members—whether children, elderly parents, or disabled relatives—is a recognised form of contribution. Carers in the UK receive National Insurance credits precisely because this work is valuable to society. Being a non-earner does not mean someone is not contributing.

Impact on Middle-Aged BN(O) visa holders

A significant number of middle-aged Hongkongers have modest or no income but hold reasonable savings or assets. Although they may not pay income tax, they contribute economically in many other ways and actively integrate into their communities. Changes to settlement requirements risk penalising these individuals—despite the fact that they came under terms set by the UK Government only a few years ago. Besides, I reviewed the 2021 HK census about the education level of various age group.  only 46.7% that between 35-44 had post-secondary education, 33.4% that between 45-53 had post-secondary education, and only 15% that older than 55 had post-secondary education. I don't have accurate data about the age of bno visa holders, but if referring to the HK data, there'll be significant number of people find it difficult to fulfil the new English level requirement. A few months ago, a report done by ministry of housing, communities & local government mentioned that HK people are willing to seek out opportunities to improve their spoken English, but that doesn't mean that it's possible for people to reach B2 level, while they're very close to their settlement application.

A Matter of Trust and International Standing

BN(O) visa holders around the world—both in Hong Kong and in the UK—are closely watching how the current Government will respond. The BN(O) route was explicitly designed as a safe and stable pathway. Any substantial change now risks undermining trust in the system and in the UK’s moral commitments. Previous governments, including under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, recognised the UK’s historical responsibility. Today, we hope the current Government will uphold that same commitment.

Our Request

We sincerely ask that you raise this issue with the Home Office and urge the Government to:

--Reconsider the proposed changes to the BN(O) visa holder settlement requirements.

--Recognise the unique historical and moral context of Hongkongers’ migration to the UK.

--Ensure that BN(O) holders—many of whom wish to build a permanent, meaningful life here—are given a fair and stable route to settlement.

--Consider granting a clearer and more suitable status to long-term Hongkongers in the UK, in line with the original spirit of the BN(O) scheme.

 

Thank you very much for taking the time to consider this matter. I would be grateful for your support and for any steps you can take to represent our concerns in Parliament.