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Written question asked by Ian Sollom (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 28 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 pensions income that is not eligible for taxation in the UK due to the UK and Hong Kong Tax Treaty will count towards the proposed £12,570 personal income threshold for British National (Overseas) visa holders wanting to acquire permanent residence.

Answer

The earned settlement model, proposed in ’A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, is currently subject to a public consultation, running until 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 exemptions from the mandatory economic contribution.

Details of mandatory requirements, including those relating to personal income threshold, 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
109317
Session
2024-26
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Immigration Hong Kong Personal income Pensions
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk