As the situation deteriorates in Hong Kong, over 160,000 Hong Kongers have applied for a BNO visa

New Home Office data out today shows that over 160,000 Hong Kongers have applied for the BNO Visa Scheme since it opened at the end of January 2021.

In the last quarter of 2022, there were 10,100 applications for the visa, the same number of applications as in the previous quarter.

There were also five grants of asylum or humanitarian protection for Hong Kongers and 10 new asylum applications.

Benedict Rogers, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch said:

“We are delighted that the BNO Visa route created by the Government continues to be used by Hong Kongers as a lifeline out of the city.

“Sadly, it is a reflection of the dire situation in Hong Kong. A city that once shone bright as a beacon of freedom has been reduced to a police state.

“We urge the Home Office to continue to monitor the uptake of the BNO Visa Scheme and in particular review the case for its expansion to cover those who were children at the time of the handover in 1997.”