Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the proposed earned settlement scheme will include non-employment income such as rental, dividends, and interest when assessing income thresholds.

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.

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, including any transitional arrangements and the requirements for income thresholds.

Once the changes are implemented, we will publish clear guidance for BN(O) visa holders to help them understand any new requirements.

In the meantime, the current rules for settlement under the BN(O) route will continue to apply, including the current B1 English language requirement.