Key Takeaways
• The UK may extend BNO visa settlement from 5 to 10 years, doubling the citizenship waiting time.
• MPs and campaigners urge government to keep original five-year settlement promise for Hong Kongers.
• BNO visa created in 2021 in response to Hong Kong’s National Security Law for safe migration.
Pressure Mounts on UK Government Over Proposed Changes to British Citizenship Pathway for Hong Kongers
The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 is facing growing calls from lawmakers, campaigners, and the Hong Konger community to keep its original promise to Hong Kongers who arrived under the British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa scheme. At the heart of the debate is a recent proposal that could double the time Hong Kongers must wait before they can apply for settled status and, eventually, British citizenship. This has sparked concern and uncertainty among thousands of families who moved to the UK 🇬🇧 seeking safety and a new start.

Who is affected, what’s changing, and why does it matter?
On June 19, 2025, Members of Parliament (MPs) urged the UK government to stick to its original commitment: Hong Kongers arriving on the BNO visa would be eligible for settled status—also known as indefinite leave to remain—after five years. This would then allow them to apply for British citizenship after one more year. However, a new immigration white paper proposes extending the qualifying period for settlement from five to ten years for most visa categories. The government is now consulting on whether this change will also apply to BNO visa holders, but has not yet provided a timeline for a final decision.
This uncertainty has left many Hong Kongers in a state of limbo, unsure if their path to citizenship will suddenly become much longer and more difficult.
What is the BNO Visa and Why Was it Created?
The BNO visa route was introduced in 2021 as a response to China’s imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong. This law led to widespread concerns about political repression and loss of freedoms in the city. In response, the UK 🇬🇧 government created a special visa for Hong Kong residents who held British National (Overseas) status—a type of nationality created before the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from the UK to China.
Key features of the BNO visa:
– Allows Hong Kongers and their dependents to live, work, and study in the UK 🇬🇧 without major restrictions
– Promised a clear pathway: after five years of residence, BNO visa holders could apply for indefinite leave to remain (settled status)
– After holding settled status for one year, they could apply for British citizenship
This pathway was seen as a lifeline for many Hong Kongers fleeing political uncertainty and seeking a stable future.
The Proposed Change: What’s at Stake?
The UK government’s recent immigration white paper suggests extending the qualifying period for settlement from five years to ten years for most visa categories. While the government has not yet confirmed if this will apply to BNO visa holders, the possibility alone has caused deep concern.
If the change goes ahead and includes BNO visa holders:
– Hong Kongers would need to wait ten years before applying for settled status (instead of five)
– They would then need to wait another year before applying for British citizenship
– This would double the time it takes to become a British citizen, from six years to eleven
For many families, this means a much longer period of uncertainty, fewer rights, and a delay in fully settling into life in the UK 🇬🇧.
Why Are MPs and Campaigners Speaking Out?
MPs representing areas with large Hong Konger populations have spoken out strongly against the proposed change. They argue that the UK 🇬🇧 made a clear promise to Hong Kongers when the BNO visa route was introduced, and changing the rules now would break trust.
Lord Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong and a patron of the campaign group Hong Kong Watch, has been especially vocal. He warned that “rewriting the terms of the promise would be disastrous for the UK’s legitimacy on the world stage.” Many campaigners agree, saying that the UK 🇬🇧 has a moral and legal duty to keep its word to those who came seeking safety.
The Step-by-Step Pathway to British Citizenship for BNO Visa Holders
To understand the impact of the proposed change, it helps to look at the current process for Hong Kongers on the BNO visa:
- Arrival in the UK 🇬🇧 on a BNO visa (since 2021): Hong Kongers and their families can come to the UK 🇬🇧 to live, work, and study.
- Five years of residence: Under the original promise, after five years, they can apply for indefinite leave to remain (settled status).
- One more year: After holding settled status for one year, they can apply for British citizenship.
4. Citizenship application: The process usually takes up to six months. If approved, applicants attend a citizenship ceremony and receive a naturalisation certificate.
Official forms and resources:
– To apply for indefinite leave to remain, BNO visa holders use the Settle in the UK in various immigration categories: form SET(O).
– For British citizenship, the application is made using Form AN.
The Consultation Process: What Happens Next?
The UK Home Office, which is responsible for immigration policy, is currently consulting on whether to include Hong Kongers in the proposed extension of the settlement period. However, there is no official timeline for when a decision will be made.
This ongoing consultation has left many Hong Kongers in a difficult position. They do not know if the rules will change before they become eligible for settled status, making it hard to plan for their future.
Key points about the consultation:
– No deadline has been announced for a final decision
– MPs and advocacy groups are lobbying for the original five-year promise to be upheld
– The outcome will affect tens of thousands of Hong Kongers and their families
Real-Life Impact: How Would a Longer Wait Affect Hong Kongers?
If the qualifying period is extended to ten years, the effects would be significant:
1. Prolonged Uncertainty
Hong Kongers would have to wait twice as long before gaining settled status. This means a longer period without the full rights and security that come with indefinite leave to remain.
2. Delayed Access to Rights and Benefits
Without settled status, BNO visa holders may face limits on certain benefits, housing, and job opportunities. Delaying settled status could make it harder for families to put down roots and fully integrate.
3. Impact on Family Life
Many Hong Kongers moved to the UK 🇬🇧 to give their children a safer and more stable future. A longer wait for citizenship could affect children’s education, sense of belonging, and long-term plans.
4. Trust and Reputation
Changing the rules after people have already moved could be seen as a breach of trust. This might damage the UK’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination for those fleeing repression.
Voices from the Community
Many Hong Kongers who moved to the UK 🇬🇧 under the BNO visa scheme say they feel anxious and unsettled by the possible change. Some worry about their children’s future, while others fear they may never feel truly secure until they become British citizens.
Campaign groups like Hong Kong Watch have called for transparency and timely decisions. They argue that the government must clearly communicate any changes and give affected families enough time to adjust.
Why Did the UK Make This Promise in the First Place?
The BNO visa scheme was introduced as a direct response to the political situation in Hong Kong. After the National Security Law was imposed, many people in Hong Kong felt their freedoms were under threat. The UK 🇬🇧 government offered a pathway to safety and citizenship as part of its commitment to uphold the rights of Hong Kongers.
Key background facts:
– The BNO status was created before the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from the UK 🇬🇧 to China 🇨🇳.
– The visa scheme was launched in 2021, with a clear promise: five years to settled status, then one year to citizenship.
– The recent immigration white paper proposes changing the rules for most visa categories, but it is not clear if BNO visa holders will be included.
What Are the Arguments for and Against the Change?
Arguments for keeping the original promise:
– The UK 🇬🇧 made a clear commitment to Hong Kongers fleeing political repression.
– Changing the rules now would break trust and could harm the UK’s reputation.
– Many Hong Kongers have already made life-changing decisions based on the original promise.
Arguments for extending the settlement period:
– The government says it wants to create a “level playing field” for all migrants.
– Some argue that a longer qualifying period could help ensure only those who are truly committed to life in the UK 🇬🇧 become citizens.
However, many experts and campaigners say that the unique situation facing Hong Kongers means they should be treated differently from other migrants.
What Do Immigration Experts Say?
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, extending the settlement period for BNO visa holders would undermine the UK’s moral and legal obligations. Immigration experts warn that such a move could erode confidence in the UK’s immigration system and make it harder for the country to attract skilled migrants and refugees in the future.
Experts also point out that the consultation process is a critical moment. The government’s decision will send a strong message about how it treats those who come to the UK 🇬🇧 seeking safety and a new life.
What Should Hong Kongers Do Now?
While the government’s decision is still pending, Hong Kongers in the UK 🇬🇧 should:
- Stay informed: Regularly check the UK Home Office’s official immigration and citizenship pages for updates.
- Keep records: Maintain clear records of your time in the UK 🇬🇧, including proof of residence, employment, and any correspondence with the Home Office.
- Seek advice: Contact advocacy groups like Hong Kong Watch or legal advisors for guidance on your specific situation.
- Prepare for both outcomes: While hoping the original promise will be kept, be aware of the possibility that the rules could change.
What Happens Next?
The government’s consultation is ongoing, and no deadline has been set for a final decision. MPs and advocacy groups are expected to keep up the pressure, urging the government to honor its original promise to Hong Kongers.
The outcome will have a major impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people who have already started building new lives in the UK 🇬🇧. It will also shape the UK’s reputation as a country that keeps its word to those seeking safety and freedom.
Where to Find Official Information
For the latest updates on the BNO visa and settlement policies, visit the UK Home Office’s official immigration and citizenship pages. Here, you can find detailed guidance on the BNO visa, indefinite leave to remain, and British citizenship.
If you are a BNO visa holder, you can also find the latest forms and application instructions on the government website:
– BNO visa information
– Application to settle in the UK (SET(O))
– Application for British citizenship (Form AN)
Final Thoughts
The UK 🇬🇧 government’s decision on whether to extend the settlement period for Hong Kongers will have lasting effects on thousands of families. The original five-year promise was a key reason many Hong Kongers chose to move to the UK 🇬🇧. Changing the rules now would not only disrupt lives but could also damage the UK’s reputation as a safe haven for those fleeing repression.
As the consultation continues, it is vital for affected individuals to stay informed, keep good records, and seek advice when needed. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the UK 🇬🇧 keeps its promise to Hong Kongers and upholds its values of fairness and trust.
For more information and updates, always refer to the official UK Home Office website.
Learn Today
BNO Visa → A special visa introduced in 2021 for Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) status.
Settled Status → Indefinite leave to remain in the UK, granting permanent resident rights after a qualifying period.
Indefinite Leave to Remain → Permission to live in the UK without time restriction, often a step before citizenship.
Naturalisation Certificate → Official document granted upon British citizenship approval after completing the application process.
National Security Law → Law imposed in Hong Kong in 2020 causing international concern over freedoms and rights.
This Article in a Nutshell
The UK government is considering doubling the settlement period for Hong Kong BNO visa holders from five to ten years, sparking concerns about delayed citizenship and broken trust. Lawmakers, campaigners, and the community demand the government uphold its original promise amid ongoing consultations without a decision deadline.
— By VisaVerge.com