Written question asked by Charlotte Nichols (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 September 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 September 2022. It was answered by Paul Scully (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 September 2022 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Visas: British National (Overseas)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what support his Department will provide to young people from Hong Kong who will become eligible for the British National (Overseas) visa from November this year.

Answer: In April 2021 the department launched a new UK-wide Welcome Programme to support BN(O) status holders, and in July 2022 announced the continuation of the Programme. This cohort of young people will be able to access the full Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Programme, including support from Welcome Hubs across the UK, support from community organisations providing a range of services including help with social integration, mental health and employability, they will also be eligible to access English language and destitution support via local Councils (England only). They can already access a comprehensive online Welcome Pack, in English and Cantonese on GOV.UK that provides advice on life in the UK.

Secondary information