The tighter English requirements for migrants moving to the United Kingdom can be challenging for many Hongkongers applying for a bespoke visa pathway, and even for some British residents, according to a veteran teacher and a Briton who led a support group for the city’s immigrants.
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The British Home Office confirmed on Friday that Hongkongers under the British National (Overseas) visa scheme must meet a higher English language level set for all migrants to the country as part of a shake-up of its immigration system.
Under the overhaul announced on Thursday, migrants to the UK will need to meet the B2 English proficiency level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, up from the current B1 level.
Veteran English teacher Pauline Chow Lo-sai said that B2-level English, which requires understanding complex passages and technical discussions, speaking spontaneously with a native speaker, and a solid grounding in grammar and broad vocabulary, could be daunting for many Hongkongers.
“Do you find that many people in Hong Kong can speak spontaneously and can engage in a discussion in English? I don’t really think so,” she said.
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“It would be very challenging. You know, people in Hong Kong do not actually have to use English, even for professionals.”