Written evidence submitted by The UK-EU Committee of Assembly of Citizens’ Representatives, Hong Kong (ACRHK) (RTS4087)
This submission represents the concerns of former elected district councillors, law makers and political figures from Hong Kong who fled to the UK due to escalating political repression. These individuals were targeted under the National Security Law and related measures, which make Hong Kong unsafe for anyone advocating for democratic values. Many left in haste, without sufficient time to liquidate assets or secure financial stability. The BN(O) visa route was introduced as a humanitarian lifeboat for Hong Kongers escaping persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Some political figures did not hold BN(O) status and instead sought refugee protection in the UK. If refugee settlement routes are extended to 20 years or more, this would be disastrous for these individuals, leaving them in prolonged uncertainty, unable to plan their lives, and at severe risk of mental health deterioration. They cannot return to Hong Kong safely, as doing so would expose them to political imprisonment and persecution.
● Political Context: Hong Kong’s political environment has deteriorated significantly since 2020. Peaceful activism and democratic participation are criminalised under the National Security Law.
● Personal Risk: Returning to Hong Kong would expose these individuals to arrest, lengthy imprisonment, and potential ill-treatment.
● Financial Constraints: Many fled urgently, leaving behind property and savings. They may not meet proposed minimum income thresholds or afford additional fees.
● Humanitarian Nature of BN(O) Route: The BN(O) visa was designed to provide refuge for Hong Kongers facing political persecution. Tightening settlement rules undermines this purpose.
● Minimum Salary Requirement: Some former councillors work in community-focused or advocacy roles in the UK, which typically do not provide formal, full-time salaries at the required threshold. Imposing such income requirements would disproportionately disadvantage this group.
● Extended Settlement Period: Increasing the qualifying period for refugees to 20 years would be catastrophic—prolonging insecurity, mental health deterioration, and preventing long-term planning.
● English Language Requirement: While many are proficient, sudden changes to language standards without adequate support would create unnecessary barriers.
● Risk of Political Persecution: If unable to remain in the UK, these individuals face imprisonment and persecution upon return to Hong Kong.
● Mental Health and Integration: Prolonged insecurity undermines integration and mental wellbeing.
● Moral and Political Responsibility: The UK must uphold its commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and recognise its historical obligation to Hong Kongers.
● Hong Kong is no longer a safe place for liberals or pro-democracy advocates. Returning exposes individuals to political persecution, imprisonment, and ill-treatment under the National Security Law imposed by the CCP regime.
● BN(O) visa holders and refugees include former district councillors and lawmakers who served their communities and upheld democratic principles. Many fled urgently, leaving behind assets and careers, and now face financial insecurity.
● Extending refugee settlement routes to 20 years would be devastating. It would trap political refugees in prolonged uncertainty, severely harm mental health, and undermine integration.
● Retroactive changes to settlement rules would violate trust and endanger lives. For refugees and BN(O) holders alike, such changes would contradict the humanitarian purpose of these routes and the UK’s commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
● Maintain the original 5+1 settlement route and B1 English requirement for existing BN(O) visa holders.
● Avoid retroactive application of new rules
● Do not extend refugee settlement routes to 20 years; such delays would cause severe mental health harm and insecurity.
● Recognise the humanitarian purpose of the BN(O) route : exempt the BN(O) visa holders and the vulnerable groups, including former political figures, from income thresholds.
● Consider financial and mental health impacts before introducing additional costs or requirements.
● Ensure policy stability to uphold trust and integration.
● Recognise the UK’s historical responsibility: Hong Kongers were never given the opportunity for self-determination before the 1997 handover to China—a state that has failed to uphold the Sino-British Joint Declaration. This places a clear moral and political obligation on the UK to ensure settlement policies remain fair, consistent, and protective of those fleeing persecution.
● The UK indeed should consider granting all BN(O) passport holders and their next generation full British citizenship, recognising their historic ties and the UK’s moral responsibility under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Dec 2025