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Written question asked by Sarah Olney (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 December 2025. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration: Hong Kong

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her statement, entitled A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, of 20 November, if she will explain the impact of the changes on pathways to settlement on the children of British National (Overseas) visa holders.

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. Children of BN(O) visa holders will also remain on the 5-year path to settlement in line with their parents.

We are seeking views on earned settlement through the public consultation A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, including on how dependants should be accommodated within an earned settlement system, and will continue to listen to the views of Hong Kongers. Details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following 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
98554
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Children Immigration Hong Kong
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk