Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the (a) B2 language and (b) income requirement for BN(O) visa holders will apply to their settlement process.

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.

The new mandatory requirements for settlement are basic requirements that we think are reasonable for people to meet if they want to settle here. However, 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.

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