British Nationals (Overseas) citizens: New immigration rules
The UK Government has announced a change in the immigration rules for British Nationals (Overseas) citizens of Hong Kong (BN(O)s).
Under the current immigration rules, BN(O)s can only come to the UK for up to 6 months per year without a visa, and they cannot work nor study during this period.
The new UK immigration rules will allow BN(O)s to come to the UK without the current 6-month limit. They will be granted a 5-year limited leave to remain, with the ability to live and work in the UK. Furthermore, they will then be eligible to apply for settled status, and, thereafter, for British naturalisation.
This is in response to the new national security law imposed by China on Hong Kong on 30th June 2020, which will increase restrictions on the rights and freedoms of people of Hong Kong by the Chinese Government. This is in breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The UK and Hong Kong have a very close link, and this will likely strengthen their history and cooperation.
The new immigration rules route for BN(O)s should be implemented in the coming months. The UK Government will announce the exact date and further details in due course.
Barar & Associates is a proud member of the Hong Kong Federation (https://www.hkfederation.org.hk/) and has close ties to British Nationals (Overseas) citizens from Hong Kong.
If you wish to talk to us about your UK immigration matters, please contact our friendly team of London immigration lawyers at Barar and Associates at barar.london@bararassociates.co.uk or call us on 020 7487 8370. You can access more information about us via https://bararassociates.com/.
