Labour MPs Urge Government to Protect Immigration Rights of Hong Kongers
A coalition of 34 Labour MPs is pressing the UK government to reconsider proposed changes to permanence residency policies that could adversely affect Hongkongers and others on humanitarian visas. The MPs express serious concerns regarding modifications to the criteria for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), particularly for holders of British National Overseas (BNO) visas who arrived in the UK amid political turmoil in Hong Kong.
Concerns Over New Residency Requirements
In a letter addressed to migration minister Mike Tapp, the MPs highlight their apprehensions that new requirements, including a higher English language proficiency—elevated from B1 to B2 level—and an income threshold of over £12,570 annually for three to five years, may be retroactively applied to an estimated 200,000 BNO visa holders. This group began migrating to the UK in 2021 after fleeing increased repression by the Chinese government.
As of March 2026, the first cohort of Hongkongers on BNO visas will be eligible to apply for ILR; the MPs fear that the latest policy changes could prevent many of these individuals from achieving the permanent residency promised to them.
Impacts on Vulnerable Populations
The MPs assert that many Hongkongers currently residing in the UK—including pensioners, students, and homemakers—might struggle to meet the proposed salary requirements. They suggest that the government should acknowledge various contributions these individuals make to society, such as volunteering and caregiving, as valid considerations for residency eligibility. The MPs also recommend that a degree obtained in English from a UK university should suffice to fulfil language proficiency requirements.
Pension Challenges and Financial Stress
The constituency research conducted by Labour MP James Naish indicates that if the new English requirements are enforced as proposed, only 8% of BNO visa households could gain access to ILR within the stipulated timeframe. Furthermore, about 43% of these households may not have any eligible members to apply for permanent status, which could lead to significant financial distress for those affected.
The MPs have pointed out that Hong Kong pensioners in the UK have contributed nearly HK$3.8 billion (roughly £360 million) to Hong Kong’s state pension system, which they can only access upon securing settled status. Many have anticipated this financial support based on prior assurances of a smooth pathway to ILR.
Historical Context and Ongoing Obligations
Senior Labour MP Sarah Champion emphasised the UK’s historical responsibility towards Hong Kong citizens and called on the government to clarify its commitment to welcome these individuals. Naish echoed this sentiment, urging that the details of any new policies should be consistent with the publicly stated support for the BNO visa scheme.
In their communication, the MPs assert that all humanitarian visa paths should remain exempt from any changes to ensure the preservation of the humanitarian intent behind such schemes.
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation has articulated that the UK must fulfil its obligations as outlined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, underscoring the need for the UK to provide refuge for those fleeing oppression.
Background
The BNO visa pathway was established by the UK government in 2021, permitting residents of Hong Kong who possess British National Overseas status a means to live and work in the UK amidst worsening political and civil rights conditions in Hong Kong. This program was introduced as a response to accusations of increasing human rights violations by the Chinese government against pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.
Source: Original Article
