Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to put in place transitional arrangements for BN(O) applicants, dependants and children reaching five years’ residence from 2026 in Lewes constituency.

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 sought views on earned settlement through the public consultation A Fairer Pathway to Settlement which was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.

We will now carefully review and analyse all responses received and the findings will support the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures. Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.

In the meantime, the current rules for settlement under the BN(O) route will continue to apply.