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Written question asked by Ian Sollom (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 26 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 February 2026 (named day). It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Monday, 9 February 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration: Hong Kong

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department consulted with British National (Overseas) visa holders on the drafting of the White Paper entitled Restoring control over the immigration system, published on 12 May 2025.

Answer

The Immigration White Paper set out the principle that settlement should be earned through contribution to the UK economy and society. The publication, ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, built on this principle and laid out proposals for the earned settlement model. It stated that we will raise the standard qualifying period for settlement from five years to ten years and everyone who wishes to settle in this country will need to meet mandatory requirements, including a clean criminal record and strong English language skills.

The consultation on the earned settlement model was launched on 20 November 2025 and will close on 12 February 2026.

The Government remains steadfast in its support for members of the Hong Kong community in the UK. BN(O) visa holders will attract a five-year reduction in the qualifying period for settlement, meaning they will continue to be able to settle in the UK after five years’ residence, subject to meeting the mandatory requirements.

The consultation seeks views from Hong Kongers on the proposals, including whether there should be transitional arrangements for those already on a pathway to settlement.

Details of the earned settlement scheme will be finalised following the close of that consultation. In the meantime, the current rules for settlement under the BN(O) route will continue to apply.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
108377
Session
2024-26
Related items
Restoring Control over the Immigration System
Monday, 12 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Immigration Hong Kong
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk