UK Immigration Rules change to open BNO visa to young people

Today, the UK government updated its Immigration Rules to expand the BNO visa to young people from Hong Kong.

Those born after the 1997 handover, with at least one BNO-status parent, will soon be able to apply for the BNO visa independently of their parents.

The rules lay the groundwork for the expansion of the scheme, which is expected to go live at the end of November.

Benedict Rogers, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch said: “We are delighted that the expansion of the BNO visa scheme to young people from Hong Kong is now becoming a reality.

“Thousands of young people from Hong Kong are at genuine risk of arrest. Expanding the visa to these people gives them a way out and will allow them to start rebuilding their lives in the UK, a free and open country.

“We commend the UK government for expanding this scheme, and all of those who have worked to make the BNO scheme such a success already.”

The campaign to expand the scheme to young people was led by Damian Green MP in the House of Commons, before being taken up by Lord Patten, Lord Alton, Lord Falconer, among others, in the House of Lords.

Mr Rogers added: “We will continue to work with the UK and like-minded governments across the free world to ensure that every Hong Konger has a way out of the tyranny being unleashed in the city”.