Recommendations & Conclusions
13 items
5
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
Given the threats of imprisonment under the new security law faced by some Hong Kong young people, the asylum system should be another appropriate route for them to be able to follow. It is troubling that we have heard they are deterred from doing so. The current delays in the …
Government response. The government's response describes the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) as a temporary route for cultural exchange that does not lead to settlement, failing to address the recommendation to urgently tackle long delays in the asylum casework system.
Home Office
6
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
We welcome the statement of intent by the Home Office that discretion will be given in cases where applicants for the BN(O) visa have convictions related to free speech The UK’s offer of visa and settlement routes for residents of Hong Kong 35 or peaceful protest. We are however concerned …
Government response. The government discusses the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) and its temporary nature, which is unrelated to the committee's concern about politically-motivated convictions for BN(O) visa applicants.
Home Office
7
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
Home Office caseworkers should be trained and regularly updated on the developing situation in Hong Kong. The Government must provide assurances that the criminality policy and associated guidance for caseworkers explicitly recognise that convictions and the designation of certain convictions in Hong Kong, including for offences which are also recognised …
Government response. The government's response deflected by stating that the UK grants protection according to international obligations and that asylum claims made within the UK are determined on a case-by-case basis, without addressing specific recommendations on BN(O) caseworker training, policy for politically …
Home Office
8
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
We support the proposition that intelligence-led checks should be made of applications for the Hong Kong BN(O) visa to identify and screen out agents who intend to monitor and inform on the BN(O) community in the UK on behalf of the Chinese Government. This strengthens the case for having an …
Government response. The government discusses general asylum claims and the UK's history of granting protection, which is unrelated to the recommendation for intelligence-led checks and an expert casework team for BN(O) visa applications.
Home Office
11
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
We accept the principle that individuals who benefit from immigration should contribute towards the costs of essential UK services and we also welcome the fact that, when designing this visa route, the Government set out to increase its accessibility by setting a low fee for the applicant. However we are …
Government response. The government did not address the recommendation for a means-tested fee waiver or payment flexibilities for the immigration health surcharge, instead stating caseworkers receive training and will get regular updates on the situation in Hong Kong.
Home Office
12
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
We recommend that, on grounds of the unique historical relationship between the UK and Hong Kong, the Government should consider providing for Hong Kong students to be charged domestic fees for higher education in the UK. (Paragraph 90) 36 The UK’s offer of visa and settlement routes for residents of …
Government response. The government responds by discussing the BN(O) casework team and their training, which is unrelated to the recommendation for Hong Kong students to be charged domestic higher education fees.
Home Office
13
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
Witnesses told us that the Home Office’s failure to keep its country policy information notes on Hong Kong up to date potentially left asylum-seekers who have a well- founded fear of persecution at risk of having their claims denied by caseworkers. This concern was sufficient to deter eligible claims.
Government response. The government's response did not address the recommendation about updating country policy information notes on Hong Kong, instead discussing the purpose of visa fees.
Home Office
14
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
The UK has a proud record of providing asylum to individuals who need it, from many parts of the world. A failure to provide effective and timely consideration to asylum seekers from Hong Kong would damage this record, as well as undermining the unique commitment made by the UK to …
Government response. The government discusses the setting of visa, immigration, and citizenship fees, which is unrelated to the recommendation for a dedicated asylum casework team for Hong Kong and updated country policy notes.
Home Office
15
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
The Government must provide further assurances of the practical steps it is taking to welcome BN(O) citizens and to ensure they are aware of the scheme. The Government should review its communication plan to ensure that the new visa route is being publicised through all appropriate channels and, where changes …
Government response. The government discusses the setting of visa, immigration, and citizenship fees, which is unrelated to the recommendation for assurances on welcoming BN(O) citizens and reviewing communication plans for the scheme.
Home Office
16
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
Integration support for newly arriving Hong Kongers is essential. The Government must ensure there is a robust plan for integration and employment support for BN(O) visa holders arriving to live in the UK. In January we heard significant concerns from witnesses about a lack of awareness and understanding by local …
Government response. The government discusses the setting of visa, immigration, and citizenship fees, which is unrelated to the recommendation for a robust plan for integration and employment support for BN(O) visa holders.
Home Office
18
Recommendation
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
We particularly welcome the establishment of the inter-Ministerial group to co- ordinate support for status holders but note that as yet there is little transparency about the work of this inter-Ministerial group. The Government must provide further information about the frequency of the group’s meetings, its objectives and priorities. The …
Government response. The government's response did not address transparency, integration plans, or resource provision related to the inter-Ministerial group, instead focusing on the Home Office's process for monitoring country situations and updating Country Policy and Information Notes.
Home Office
19
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
While cross-departmental work is welcome, the Home Secretary should also appoint a BN(O) Resettlement Panel to implement the plan from the inter-Ministerial group and to coordinate with local authorities, new residents and civil society groups on how best to support integration for Hong Kongers upon arrival. (Paragraph 122)
Government response. The government responds by outlining its process for monitoring country situations and updating country policy and information notes (CPINs), but does not address the recommendation to appoint a BN(O) Resettlement Panel.
Home Office
20
Conclusion
Second Report - The UK’s offer of visa …
Deferred
The Government’s decision to offer a Hong Kong BN(O) visa scheme is an extremely important and welcome expression of the UK’s historic relationship with, and continued commitment to support, the citizens of Hong Kong. As we have experienced with previous community arrivals into the UK, we expect individuals and families …
Government response. The government describes its process for monitoring country situations and updating country policy and information notes (CPINs), but does not specifically address reviewing demand estimates for the scheme or ensuring integration measures.
Home Office