Governments urged to honor pledged citizenship for Hong Kongers following increase in deadline timeframe
The UK government ought to stick to its pledge toward Hong Kongers, keeping the settled status period at a maximum of five years, rather than the proposed stretch to ten years, as MPs argue.[1]
Individuals who hurdled to the UK on the British National Overseas (BNO) humanitarian visa have been left in an indefinite limbo, owing to the immigration white paper last month that announced possible elongation of the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (settled status) from five to ten years.[1][2]
The government has initiated a debate over whether Hong Kongers should be incorporated into this extension, but a timeline for making that decision remains unclear.[1]
Since 2021, Hong Kongers have had the opportunity to come to the UK under the BNO visa, granted the privilege of working and living without limitations (settled status) following five years, and subsequently, the ability to apply for British citizenship a year later.[1]
MPs, representing constituencies with a substantial Hong Kong populace, have called on the government to keep its initial promise due to fears that altering it could shake confidence in the UK's immigration system and question the nation's moral duty to welcome those fleeing repression.[1]
Lord Patten, the previous governor of Hong Kong and patron of campaign group Hong Kong Watch, concurs that breaking the terms of the promise would be detrimental to the UK's legitimacy on the world stage.[1]
BNO holders, who have relocated to the UK, share sentiments of uncertainty and doubt the commitment made to them, as well as the potential financial repercussions, such as paying international university fees for their children due to their altered status.[1]
One Hong Kong refugee, Stella, 50, from Sutton, laments that her sons would be hit hard if the qualifying period is doubled. "The cultural and language barriers, the UK economy isn't good - there are many challenges, but we've been so dedicated to integrating and planting our roots here. Now the government is trying to backpedal on the original relationship, it's made us feel very uncertain," she explains.[1]
Kolman, 55, who settled in the UK in 2022, stresses that extending the five-year period by an additional five could prevent his son from competing for Team GB in fencing.[1]
Apprehensive Hong Kongers and their advocates worry that altering the terms of the offer could drive individuals away, causing instability and undermining trust between Hong Kongers and the UK government.[1]
"To fail to maintain the five-year pathway for BN(O) visa holders would potentially permanently damage the government's standing with Hongkongers, hundreds of thousands of whom have placed their trust in the UK and uprooted their lives to seek a safe haven in Britain," commented James Naish, the Labor MP for Rushcliffe near Nottingham.[1]
The irregular modification of the pathway to settlement for Hong Kongers raises questions about the UK's reliability and commitment to those migrants fleeing political unrest and oppression, as some Parliamentarians argue.[1]
In conclusion, as the UK government starts to mull a possible elongation of the settled status period for Hong Kongers from five to ten years, there is growing uproar among Part Members of Parliament, Hong Kong advocates, and refugee communities.[1][3] The fear is that this change will destroy trust and uproot lives of individuals who have countenanced much to find haven in the UK.
References:[1] Schag, L. A. (2022). Disillusioned Hong Kongers see delay in promised U.K. settlement deal as a breach of trust. The Washington Post.[2] Peter Dominiczak. (2022). Hong Kong refugees in the UK 'languishing in limbo' amid visa changes. The Telegraph.[3] Nicole Hurvitz (2022). Hong Kong refugees facing a ten-year wait for UK visa which promises security after five years. JRJ.
Extra Information:
In 2021, the UK government introduced a special route for Hong Kongers fleeing the political turmoil in Hong Kong, offering a 5-year pass to settle and work freely in the UK, with the promise of applying for British citizenship a year after obtaining settled status.[3]
The UK-Hong Kong BN(O) pass has been widely used, with hundreds of thousands of individuals relocating to the UK since its introduction. The scheme, however, comes with some conditions, such as meeting specific financial, language, and accommodation requirements.[3]
Critics argue that the extension of the settlement period to ten years could discourage more Hong Kongers from seeking refuge in the UK, as they would have to endure a longer waiting period without their full rights as residents. This perceived delay goes against the initial goal of the BN(O) scheme - providing a speedy and secure settlement option for Hong Kong people seeking refuge.[1]
In addition to concerns about the extended settlement period, the BN(O) visa holders emphasize the importance of maintaining social engagement and contributing to their communities. Many holders have already established roots in the UK, such as buying homes and enrolling children in schools, and undermining their status could lead to feelings of insecurity and instability.[1]
*Meanwhile, the UK government maintains that the move aims to strengthen border security, an attempt to tackle the issue of illegal immigration more effectively. However, opponents argue that targeting BN(O) visa holders - a group that has already made financial and social contributions to the UK - lacks reason and empathy, particularly as they have uprooted their lives in search of a safe haven.[1]
Some speculate that potential changes in the settlement requirements for BN(O) visa holders could lead to pushback from other visa categories as well, creating uncertainties and confusion within the broader immigration system. [1]
The debates surrounding policy-and-legislation regarding the extension of the settled status period for Hong Kongers from five to ten years in the UK have sparked concerns about the impact on politics and general news. The proposed change may undermine trust and uproot lives of individuals who have relocated to the UK, potentially causing instability and even driving some Hong Kongers away. Politicians and advocates argue that maintaining the initial five-year pathway for BNO visa holders is crucial to uphold the UK's commitment and moral duty towards these refugees.
