Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Accepted
Review equality impact assessment for BN(O) visa, addressing penalties for vulnerable couples
Recommendation
We were concerned to hear that provisions in the Hong Kong BN(O) visa route rules may penalise couples on lower incomes and same-sex couples who because of societal pressures in Hong Kong are unable to live in the same household. The Home Office should review its equality impact assessment to ensure that this issue and others which may arise from societal expectations and circumstances in Hong Kong have been appropriately considered. (Paragraph 77) Barriers to application
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, committing to review the equalities impact assessment for the BN(O) route and consider their approach to applications from genuine couples unable to show proof of joint residency due to societal or financial pressures.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
15. We welcome this feedback from the committee and are committed to ensuring there are no barriers within the rules and guidance for the BN(O) route that may prevent genuine applications. As such, we will review the equalities impact assessment for the BN(O) route, and if an impact is identified we will consider our approach to applications from couples who are in genuine, subsisting relationships but who are unable to show proof of joint residency due to societal or financial pressures.