The UK Parliament will on Monday, 8 September, debate whether to maintain the BNO 5+1 pathway, amid growing local concerns over immigration policy. Yesterday (4 September) Hong Kong Watch organised a cross-party show of support outside Parliament, joined by members of the Hong Kong diaspora community and supportive MPs.
Speaking at the rally, Christopher Mung, the Executive Director of Hong Kong Watch, emphasised that the BNO 5+1 route, introduced shortly after the imposition of the Hong Kong National Security Law, was not only a humanitarian measure to protect those facing political persecution but also part of the UK’s historical responsibility as Hong Kong’s former colonial power.
He warned that this responsibility must not be weakened by political changes or shifting public opinion, urging ministers to remain steadfast in their commitment to Hongkongers.
Mung further warned that altering the scheme, such as extending the route to settlement from 5+1 years to 10+1 years, would impose a serious financial burden on many BNO migrants in Britain. Families could face higher Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees and international tuition fees for their children, placing significant strain on household finances. In some cases, he said, families might even be forced to return to Hong Kong despite the risks of political persecution.
He also highlighted that, since the Hong Kong government does not recognise BNO status, many migrants have been unable to access their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) pensions. Extending the settlement process would therefore prolong their inability to reclaim their savings.
Mung pointed out that the Hong Kong authorities have increasingly resorted to passport cancellations as a form of transnational repression. This leaves some Hongkongers in the UK, particularly those on dependent visas without BNO passports at risk of becoming stateless or undocumented if stripped of their Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passports.
The rally was attended by Blair McDougall MP (Labour), Charlotte Nichols MP (Labour), Tom Tugendhat MP (Conservative), James Naish MP (Labour), and Benedict Rogers, co-founder and trustee of Hong Kong Watch. Speaking in support, the MPs stressed that the UK has both a moral and historical duty towards Hongkongers, who they described as an integral part of British society. They urged the government to honour its original pledge and retain the BNO 5+1 pathway in full during the ongoing review.
Photo: Hong Kong Watch