Written evidence submitted by Re-Water CIC (RTS4469)
This submission is provided by Re-Water CIC, a registered community interest company (13780211) based in South Yorkshire, representing Hong Kong BN(O) Visa holders and their families. From 8 November to 1 December 2025, we conducted an online survey with 275 respondents to understand the impact of proposed changes to settlement routes. Among them, 199 participants provided written opinions. Our evidence addresses the Home Affairs Committee’s inquiry on the implications of altering settlement requirements to Hongkongers in the UK.
The survey involved 275 respondents, all Hong Kong BN(O) Visa holders or their dependents currently residing in South Yorkshire. Key demographic characteristics include:
● Immigration Route:
○ BN(O) Visa holders (main applicants and dependents): The overwhelming majority (approx. 80%).
○ Small proportions on student visas or spouse visas.
● Length of Stay in the UK:
○ 77% have lived in the UK for 1–4 years, reflecting recent migration under the BN(O) scheme.
○ 18% have been in the UK for 5 years or more, and a small minority less than 1 year.
● Age Profile:
○ Predominantly working-age adults:
■ 39% aged 35–44 years
■ 21% aged 45–54 years
■ 25% aged 25–34 years
○ Very few respondents are under 18 or over 65.
● Employment Status:
○ 53% employed,
○ 14% self-employed or business owners,
○ Others include students, homemakers, and retirees.
● Entrepreneurial Intent:
○ 18.5% currently run or plan to start a business, indicating economic contribution potential.
3.1. Impact of Proposed Changes on Individuals and Families
Survey findings indicate significant adverse effects if settlement requirements are tightened, particularly in extending qualifying period, raising English level to B2, and introducing income thresholds:
● 68% report severe financial pressure if required to pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) again.
● 69% say delayed settlement would harm children’s education plans.
● 82% anticipate major negative impacts on mental health.
● 85% believe changes would damage trust and sense of belonging.
Key Impact Areas (Survey Results):
3.2. Effect on Integration and Trust
Qualitative responses reveal strong concerns about trust erosion and integration setbacks. Common themes include:
Theme | Mentions |
Keep promises | 64 |
Oppose retroactive changes | 27 |
Fairness for existing applicants | 8 |
Oppose stricter English/income | 12 |
Mental health & trust | 12 |
3.3. 67.3% of the respondents have MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) accounts in Hong Kong.
65.9% of the respondents reveal that stricter rules for settlement will affect their financial security after MPF withdrawal.
3.4. When being asked if the policy changes would influence their long-term decision to stay in the UK or go elsewhere:
37.8% said they would consider other options,
30.5% said the policy change would slightly affect them, but still want to stay in the UK,
21.8% said that it would make them consider returning to Hong Kong or moving somewhere else.
The rest express that they still would stay in the UK for good, or not sure about how the policy changes would affect them yet.
3.5. Qualitative Insights (with translations)
Selected examples of respondents’ comments:
● 非常不滿，沒有承諾。 → Very dissatisfied, no promise kept.
● 希望能保持5+1，還有英語水平是B1。 → Hope to keep 5+1 and English level at B1.
● 應該遵守當初承諾，實踐合約精神。 → Should honor the original promise and uphold the spirit of the agreement.
● 不要突然將要求提高。 → Do not suddenly raise the requirements.
● 希望政府信守承諾，保持申請要求不變。 → Hope the government keeps its promise and maintains the application requirements unchanged.
● PLEASE STICK WITH THE PROMISE. We build trust together. Please don’t affect our child, they are innocent.
● I would like the UK government to uphold its promise to BNO holders and maintain the original settlement requirements.
● When I decided to come to the UK, it was based on trust—trust in the UK’s reputation for honouring its commitments and treating BNO holders fairly. I believed that the UK government would remain reliable and would not treat Hong Kong people in a way that resembled the sense of betrayal we experienced from China. I truly love the UK, and I sincerely hope that the government will keep its promise so that the life plans of BNO holders will not be shattered again.
The changes to settlement routes will create severe impacts to BN(O) Visa Scheme holders. The BN(O) Visa Scheme is not a typical skilled immigration route, but a commitment made in response to the breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration by the Chinese regime. BN(O)s are British nationals, as validated from the Home Secretary’s speech on 17 November in the “repatriation of Hong Kongers”. Moving the goal-post halfway and requesting additional requirements have made settlement impractical to achieve, and defeat the very policy intent when it was introduced.
We therefore recommend the following:
● Maintain the original 5+1 settlement route and B1 English requirement for existing BN(O) Visa Scheme Hongkongers.
● Avoid retroactive application of new rules; apply changes only to future applicants.
● Consider financial and mental health impacts before introducing additional costs or requirements.
● Ensure policy stability to uphold trust and integration of the Hong Kong BN(O) community in the UK.
● Recognise the UK’s historical and treaty obligations: Under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the UK has committed to monitoring Hong Kong’s freedoms and democratic principles after the 1997 handover. Hong Kong residents were never granted a referendum for self-determination, and China has failed to uphold the Declaration’s guarantees. This places a clear moral and political duty on the UK to ensure settlement policies remain fair, consistent, and protective of those fleeing persecution.
● Leverage economic opportunities: Once BN(O) Visa holders are granted UK citizenship, Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) assets from Hong Kong would most likely be transferred to the UK. This potential inflow of capital could strengthen the UK economy through increased investment, savings, and consumption, while supporting financial integration for new citizens.
Dec 2025