‘Freaking out’: Hongkongers fret over BN(O) visas as UK hardens migration stance

Hongkongers who have emigrated to the UK or intend to do so with their British National (Overseas) passport have expressed concerns over the country’s plan to double the settlement qualifying period for migrants to 10 years, with some saying they were “freaking out”.

The plan was part of the measures listed in a white paper that the British government published on Monday to set out how it would tighten its immigration policies, which included enhancing language requirements for different migration pathways.

While the paper also said the UK would “always provide protection for those who genuinely need it”, citing the routes provided for BN(O) passport holders, it did not clearly state whether Hongkongers seeking settlement would be exempted from the increased period or the language rules.

Under the plan, the standard qualifying period for settlement will be raised to a decade from five years, but the paper said the length could be reduced “based on [an applicant’s] contributions to the UK economy and society”.

Announcing the policy changes on Monday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to cut net migration to Britain significantly over the next four years, saying greater control was needed to maintain social cohesion and drive investment in the local workforce.

“We’ll finally take back control of our borders and close the book on a squalid chapter for our politics, our economy and our country. Take back control,” Starmer said at Downing Street.