The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,
Declares that altering the 5+1 settlement route for British national overseas (BNO) passport holders, which currently allows them to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years and citizenship a year after that, but would likely be changed to 10 years under current plans, would be an unfair change on a community of nearly 150,000 people who have made the UK their home following China's imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, and are largely expecting to become eligible for indefinite leave within the next year; and further declares that the changes will severely disrupt the dignity and stability of this group of people who are subject to transnational repression from China.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to change course and keep the current 5+1 settlement route in place for those British national (overseas) visa holders already residing in the UK, to ensure that they can continue to settle into their new lives in the UK.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Tom Gordon, Official Report, 4 November 2025; Vol. 774, c. 881.]
[P003125]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mike Tapp):
The Government remain steadfast in its support for members of the Hong Kong community in the UK, and we fully recognise the significant contribution that Hong Kongers have already made to the UK, and the role they will continue to play in the years ahead.
BNO visa holders will attract a five-year reduction in the qualifying period for settlement, meaning they will continue to be able to settle in the UK after five years’ residence, subject to the mandatory requirements. To achieve this, the BNO route will be included in the new earned settlement framework, with those holding a BNO visa given a five-year reduction from the 10-year qualifying period.
We are seeking views on earned settlement through the public “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” consultation and will continue to listen to the views of Hong Kongers. Details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following that consultation.
Until the earned settlement framework is introduced, the current rules and process for settlement under the BNO route will continue to apply.
The BNO route is a unique immigration route that was established following China’s passing of the national security law and reflects the UK’s historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong. Retaining a five-year settlement period for BNO visa holders provides certainty to Hong Kongers and ensures the UK continues to honour its historical commitments.