Together with diaspora groups UK Welcomes Refugees, West Midlands Hongkonger Support CIC and Re-Water CIC, we conducted a survey on the views of Hongkongers in the UK regarding proposed changes to BN(O) settlement rules. The survey ran from 3 to 18 January and received 1,725 valid responses in just two weeks.
At a press conference on 27 January, we emphasised that BN(O) visas should not be treated like economic migration. The scheme was introduced in response to China’s imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong and reflects the UK’s moral and historical responsibility to provide a lifeline. Any tightening of language or income requirements would undermine commitments to those already settled or approaching settlement, breaching legitimate expectations.
Over 180,000 Hongkongers have moved to the UK, many of whom will soon be eligible for settlement. Survey results show over 85 per cent of middle-aged and older respondents view proposed changes as unfair, causing anxiety, feelings of betrayal, and fear of family separation. Social contribution should not be measured solely in economic terms: around 30 per cent of respondents over 50 are family carers, most of them women (76%), whose contributions are vital. Imposing a minimum annual income of £12,570 is inflexible and unrealistic, disrupting migration plans for older Hongkongers.
The UK must also uphold its responsibilities to Hongkongers seeking political asylum. Even recognised political refugees should not have their settlement period extended from five to 20 years. Younger Hongkongers who risked so much for democracy must not be forgotten. The government should urgently clarify that BN(O) settlement conditions will remain unchanged and honour its moral and historical obligations to Hongkongers.