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Written question asked by Jo White (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2025 (named day). It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration: Hong Kong

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any future uplift in the settlement requirement for English will apply to those on the BN(O) visa route.

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.

The new mandatory requirements for settlement are basic requirements that we think are reasonable for people to meet if they want to settle here. However, 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. Until that concludes, we cannot confirm whether any future uplift in the English language requirement will apply to those on the BN(O) route.

In the meantime, the current rules for settlement under the BN(O) route will continue to apply.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
97078
Session
2024-26
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Immigration Hong Kong English language
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk