Written question asked by Lord Leong (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 March 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 14 April 2023. It was answered by Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 April 2023 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Visas: British National (Overseas)

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the barriers faced by people from Hong Kong who have come to the UK under the British National Overseas (BNO) visa taking up employment that requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Answer: In April 2021, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) launched a new UK-wide Welcome Programme to support BN(O) status holders. In November 2022, DLUHC published a letter to BN(O)s and prospective employers on Certificates of No Criminal Conviction (CNCC) from the Hong Kong Police. The letter outlines a revised guidance on how to obtain a CNCC and gives sectoral examples on alternative methods when one cannot be obtained. This letter is available in English and Cantonese and is available on the GOV.UK landing page. We are working closely with FCDO officials to keep the guidance under review to help BN(O)s overcome the barriers they face when seeking employment.

Secondary information