- Unprecedented extension of visa rights follows increasing restrictions on the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong by the Chinese Government in breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration
- New immigration rules will allow BN(O) citizens the right to live and work in the UK for longer and give a path to full British citizenship
- Decision comes on the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover and fulfils PM's promise to 'uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong'
Following the announcement by the Chinese Government that it will impose a national security law on Hong Kong, the UK has confirmed that new arrangements will be put in place for British Nationals (Overseas).
The UK Government made a commitment to change the rules for BN(O)s should China implement the new national security law first proposed in early June.
This new bespoke immigration route will allow BN(O)s to come to the UK without the current 6 month limit, granting them five years limited leave to remain, with the ability to live and work in the UK.
After these five years, they will be able to apply for settled status and, after a further 12 months with that status, apply for citizenship.
The new bespoke route for BN(O)s will be implemented in the coming months, with exact date and
