Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Acknowledged
British National (Overseas) visa route substantially honours historic commitment to Hong Kongers' freedoms
Conclusion
In the 1985 Sino-British joint declaration the UK made a historic commitment to protect the freedom of the people of Hong Kong. Given the grave concerns of Governments, NGOs and human rights experts about the impact of the new security law on Hong Kongers’ freedoms we welcome the Government’s decision to honour this promise through the creation of the British National (Overseas) visa route. This is a substantial and important recognition both of the gravity of the situation in Hong Kong and the commitments made by the UK Government to the people of Hong Kong. (Paragraph 39) People who are at risk of missing out
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged understanding the committee's concerns regarding the eligibility and accessibility of the BN(O) route for younger individuals or those whose parents do not wish to apply, but committed to no specific action.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2. We understand the points the Committee has raised around eligibility for the BN(O) route, and particularly their concerns around accessibility to the route for those who were too young to obtain BN(O) status or whose parents do not wish to apply for the route.