Immigration Reforms: Humanitarian Visa Routes Debate
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Danny Beales
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Immigration Reforms: Humanitarian Visa Routes
Danny Beales Excerpts(1 day, 2 hours ago)
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James Naish
I will come on to five groups who need to be given special consideration, including those that the hon. Member has just mentioned.
Over the weekend, more than 5,000 BNO visa holders completed a survey about the proposals. The results show that if the requirements outlined were strictly applied with no transitional arrangements, only 8% of BNO households would expect all members to be able to apply for ILR after five years in the UK, and 43% said that no members would be eligible for ILR at the five-year point.
Danny Beales (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Lab)
I thank my hon. Friend for his excellent advocacy on this issue, which is much appreciated across the House. In Uxbridge and South Ruislip, which has a significant and important BNO community, I recognise the concerns that he has outlined. I welcome the fact that the Government have moved, but does my hon. Friend agree that, under the amended proposals, so few BNO holders qualifying for ILR would have a real impact on people’s ability to access student finance and study in the UK, and to integrate into society, and that people being unable to access their pensions back in Hong Kong would have a massive economic impact?
James Naish
Yes, I absolutely agree. I will come on to why that issue matters and I will cover both of my hon. Friend’s points.
Given that the route was designed as a safe and secure five-year pathway for intergenerational families fleeing a severe crackdown on civil liberties, the figures are worrying. They highlight the importance of making sure that the small print aligns with the Government’s overarching strong and welcome commitment to the BNO scheme.