【破土】 Jo White MP｜Our promise to Hong Kongers will never change｜Opinion
When Britain left Hong Kong in 1997, we did so on the understanding its people would keep the freedoms they had enjoyed for decades.
The rights to free expression and association without fear.
When that agreement was broken, Britain did not walk away from its debt of honour.
We are proud to have provided a safe haven for Hong Kongers.
Since 2021, more than 240,000 people have been granted a British National (Overseas) visa and more than 170,000 have made this country their home.
They have built new lives here, establishing homes, careers and businesses, and have been a model of integration and contribution to British society. Earlier this year, the Government expanded the route so that more families could benefit.
Many Hong Kongers here today will have seen our new Earned Settlement reforms and understandably wondered what they mean for them and their families.
Let me be clear: the promise Britain made to the people of Hong Kong will never change.
Hong Kongers on the British National (Overseas) visa route will remain on a five-year route to settlement, even as the standard route for most other migrants doubles to ten years.
The reforms the Home Secretary set out earlier this week are rooted in fairness, recognising those who contribute, both financially and through public service.
That fairness also means upholding our historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong.
So, while the wider settlement system is changing, our promise to Hong Kongers is not.
Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders will remain outside the Earned Settlement system, with no income requirement.
Some strengthened requirements will apply. The level of English required will increase to B2, as for all those applying for settlement. Though exemptions will remain in place for the young, those over 65, and those unable to meet the level because of their health.
We are also strengthening the rules on criminality. But we recognise that legal systems differ around the world. An overseas conviction for something that would not be a crime in the UK will never be held against you.
Our message to Hong Kongers is simple: you are welcome here and your contribution is valued. This country is your home.
▌About the Author
Jo White MP ( Minister for Migration and Citizenship )
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Comments (1)
The Minister Jo made a contradictory statement here. On one hand, Jo said the BNO settlement scheme is left intact out of this current revised Immigration scheme; on the other hand, Jo said the new scheme does affect the BNO settlement plan, ie, the language requirement will be raised from level B1 to B2! Obviously, many Hongkongers especially middle aged and underprivileged groups will struggle; some will never be able to pass B2. This new requirement is actually moving the goalpost when the strikers are near. Is that fair?! Many Hongkongers could have chosen to immigrate to more suitable places if this language requirement was made known to them! When the Labour government said that they honour the commitment to Hongkongers who have believed this promise and transferred all their money and beloved ones to UK few years ago, would the Labour government feels ashamed that these naive individuals feel cheated and betrayed ? A more reasonable approach as always in the case of law changing is that the new clauses of the revised law has no retrospective effect. In other words, the Hongkongers who has already resided in UK should be exempted of the new language requirement,ie, they remain attempting B1 instead of B2 language level. I hope Jo of the Labour government genuinely honour the commitment to the Hongkonets.