BNO Holders Get Settlement
In a significant move, the UK has issued settlement to the first group of BNO visa holders. Almost 600 Hongkongers received Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status in June 2025, after four years since the scheme’s launch. Overall, this development marks the UK’s commitment to those seeking refuge since Hong Kong went back to China.
About the BNO Visa Scheme
For context, the BNO visa route opened in January 2021 after Beijing imposed the national security law in Hong Kong. Specifically, it allowed eligible residents and dependents to live, work, and study in the UK for five years. Afterward, holders could apply for settlement and, one year later, citizenship.
“Some individuals may be qualifying earlier where time spent on other eligible visa routes, prior to moving onto the BNO route, counts towards their five-year residence period,” noted the UK Home Office.
So far, the program has drawn a significant migration wave. In fact, by mid-2025, approximately 166,300 people had arrived under the scheme, according to UK government data. Consequently, the first settlement approvals show the policy moving into a new phase.
Numbers Behind the Transition
Official figures confirm steady growth in BNO applications. As of June, the UK issued 181,609 out-of-country visas and 46,256 in-country extensions.
Furthermore, the Home Office reported around 600 individuals reached settlement eligibility this year.
Some qualified earlier because previous visa years counted toward the five-year residency requirement. Overall, this data highlights the scheme’s scale.
Community Voices in the UK
While some celebrated settlement, concerns surfaced within Hong Kong communities in Britain.
For instance, in Wokingham, local groups voiced unease about possible immigration changes proposed in a May 2025 white paper. In particular, community members feared extending the BNO settlement threshold from five to ten years.
Furthermore, the new policy imposes stricters English language requirements.
“Please don’t abandon us,” said a Wokingham Hong Kong Association spokesperson, urging clarity for families.
Meanwhile, Lord Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Watch patron, previously noted that “rewriting the terms of the promise would be disastrous for the UK’s legitimacy on the world stage”.
Correspondingly, this tension reflects both hope and anxiety as policies evolve. Moreover, many argue that longer requirements could discourage integration and strain families already adjusting to new lives.
Broader BNO Implications
The settlement milestone signals success for the UK in delivering on its pledge to Hongkongers. Nevertheless, potential changes risk undermining trust in the BNO visa program. If rules tighten, migrants may delay life decisions such as home purchases, career plans, or children’s education.
Therefore, advocacy groups and councils stress the importance of stability for long-term integration. At the same time, the new settlers demonstrate resilience and optimism, showing the program’s potential to enrich local communities.
Looking Ahead
The first BNO settlements represent progress for Britain’s migration policy. Yet the path forward remains uncertain as debates over immigration continue.
Ultimately, thousands more Hongkongers will soon reach the five-year mark. Their future depends on how the UK balances openness with domestic policy pressures. For now, the milestone of 600 successful settlements stands as both achievement and warning.
Photo by Raymond Okoro on Unsplash
