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Written question asked by Victoria Collins (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 12 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Monday, 22 December 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Overseas Students: Hong Kong

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent changes to the eligibility criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain on British Nationals (Overseas) students who have resettled in the UK.

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. Individuals on the BN(O) route who are studying in the UK will also qualify for the same reduction.

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. An impact assessment will be developed alongside the finalised policy.

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

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
99592
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Immigration Hong Kong Overseas students
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk