Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of its publication date. Any updates after that date are not reflected here.
The new visa route to allow British National (Overseas) (‘BNO) Status Holder to enter the UK has eased freedom of movement between Hong Kong British National and the UK for those who are eligible under this route. The new visa route recognises the UK’s historic and moral commitments to Hong Kong Citizens and offers BNO Status Holders and their family members to study, work and live in the UK.
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What is a British National (Overseas) Visa
BNO is a form of British Nationality created by the British Nationality Act 1981. Hong Kong Citizens were given a 10-year period to register themselves a BNO before the transfer of sovereignty in July 1997.
Although BNO Status Holders is considered as British Nationals, they do not have the rights to work and live in the UK and are typically subject to the requirements under the Immigration Rules. Under this route, if an individual is a BNO holder and is an ordinarily resident in either Hong Kong or the UK, the individual and their family members can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa which will allow them to live, work and study in the UK.
Eligibility for this visa
You are eligible to apply for a BNO visa if you are:
- A British national (overseas)
- Aged 18 or older
Your permanent residence must be:
- In Hong Kong only if you are applying from outside the UK
- In the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, if you are applying in the UK
Your family members
Your family members can apply for a British National(Overseas) visa if they are eligible for it. They must usually apply at the same time as you.
How long you can stay
You can apply to stay in the UK
- For 2 years and 6 months, or
- For 5 years
You will have to extend your visa if you want to stay longer and are not eligible for settlement. There is no limit on the length of time you can remain under this route and you are allowed to extend your visa as many times as you want.
After you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply to live in the UK permanently and eventually go for British citizenship.
Freedom and restrictions with BN(O) visa
You will be able to
- Work except as professional sportsperson or coach
- study at school, college or university
You cannot apply for the UK public funds.
What is a National Insurance (NI) number
In order to work in the UK, you will need a National Insurance number.
You can start work without a National Insurance number if you can evidence you have the right to work in the UK. However, you will need to apply for one within 3 months of starting your employment.
Careers advice and support
You can get career advice, counselling and support from the National Careers Service.
Starting a business in the UK
The British Business Bank is the UK’s government-owned bank. It provides advice and support to all the small businesses in the UK, including help to identify suitable financing options available.
If you are working with partners it also offers start up loans and free mentoring advice to newly establish.
There are several other organisations that can help you start a business. These include Local Growth Hubs or chambers of commerce that will help you finance and start your business.
How to set up bank account
You can find more information on how open a bank account in the UK by visiting the ‘Citizens Advice’ website.
Childcare
You could get free childcare if your child is aged 2 to 4 years.
Choosing a school
If you are living in England and your child is aged between 5 and 16, you will be required to ensure they are in receipt of a full-time education. You should contact your local council to find state-funded schools in your area and the admission criteria for your child.
Qualifications
The UK European Network Information Centre (UK ENIC) provides expert advice on behalf of the UK government on the comparability of international qualifications, including those from Hong Kong to UK qualifications.
UK ENIC has researched the comparable levels of study that precede the full completion of the HKDSE and are therefore able to issue Statements of Comparability, despite the formal exit qualification not having been completed, to help schools and colleges on A level enrolment and 16-19 funding exemptions.
Further education and training for adults
You will be eligible to access further education and training including English language courses funded through the Adult Education Budget (AEB) if you meet the published residency eligibility criteria including the 3 years ordinary residency requirement. The AEB funding rules set out the general eligibility and residency criteria. Education and training will either be fully funded or co-funded (approximate 50% government contribution) depending on your age, prior attainment and circumstances.
Learning the English Language
There are privately run English language courses you can access via the British Council if you are willing to pay a fee for these.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines
The UK government’s COVID-19 advice webpage has all the information about the vaccination programme, and how to report symptoms and how to self-isolate at home. It also highlights the rules in place about what you can do during the covid-19 pandemic, and guidance on social distancing.
If you are travelling from a ‘Red List’ country, you must quarantine in a government approved hotel for ten days upon arrival and book your covid tests in advance.
Booking a coronavirus vaccination
The vaccine will be provided and made available to everyone living in the UK free of charge. You do not need to be registered with a General Practitioner surgery or have an NHS number to receive the vaccine.
How to register with a General Practitioner (GP)
Anyone can register with a General Practitioner (doctor’s) surgery. The individual does not need proof of address or immigration status. You can find out more information on how to register with a GP via this link.
Victim of Crime
To report a crime to the police, you should call 101 for a non-emergency report, or 999 in an emergency. You must report any incidence of hate crime and Covid-related hate crime. You can also receive free support and advice if you have been the victim of crime.
The administrations
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland consists of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Information on services may be different depending on which country of the UK you live in.
CONCLUSION: Living in the UK can be very exciting and one full of opportunities for growth. The world’s 5th largest economy has been the hotspot of opportunities and rising talents. The lifestyle, work environment, security and financial growth are the reasons one can be persuaded to move to the UK and fully utilise the rights as a British National (Overseas).
