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Written question asked by Lee Dillon (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.

Visas: British National (Overseas)

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to support people with British Nationals (Overseas) visas in relation to the changes set out in the Command Paper entitled A Fairer Pathway to Settlement.

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.

Once the changes are implemented, we will publish clear guidance for BN(O) visa holders to help them understand any new requirements.

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

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
98612
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Visas British national (overseas)
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk