Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will provide financial assistance to people from Hong Kong living in the UK on British National Overseas visas who have been denied access to their pensions under the Mandatory Provident Fund following changes in legislation by the Chinese Government.

We are aware of the difficulties BN(O)s are experiencing in seeking early withdrawal of their pension held by the Mandatory Provident Fund in Hong Kong. We have urged the Hong Kong authorities to facilitate the early drawdown of funds as is the case for other Hong Kong residents who move overseas permanently. BN(O) visa holders have virtually unrestricted access to employment opportunities in the UK and can work at any skill or salary level. We do, however, recognise that people may fall on hard times. Those on the BN(O) route can apply to the Home Office for a change of conditions to have their No Recourse to Public Funds condition lifted in the event they become destitute, are at imminent risk of destitution, there is a risk to the welfare of a child or the applicant is experiencing exception financial circumstances. This allows successful applicants to access support including benefits, tax credits and housing assistance.