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Written question asked by Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 23 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Visas: British National (Overseas)

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed increase in English language requirements to B2 level on Hong Kong families using the British National (Overseas) visa route where household members have varying levels of educational attainment.

Answer

The Government remains steadfast in its support for members of the Hong Kong community in the UK.

BN(O) visa holders will attract a 5-year reduction in the qualifying period for settlement, meaning they will continue to be able to settle in the UK after 5 years’ residence, subject to meeting the mandatory requirements.

We are seeking views on earned settlement through the public consultation A Fairer Pathway to Settlement and will continue to listen to the views of Hong Kongers. Details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following that consultation. An impact assessment will be developed alongside the finalised policy and published in due course.

In the meantime, the current rules for settlement under the BN(O) route will continue to apply, including the current B1 English language requirement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
108122
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Families English language Visas British national (overseas)
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk