Hong Kong residents with BNO can apply for a special visa from January next year and can apply for settlement after staying for 5 years

The Hong Kong National Security Act has triggered international controversy. Following the suspension of the extradition agreement with Hong Kong, the British government announced on Wednesday that starting from January next year, Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) passports (BNO) can apply for a special visa "Hong Kong BN( O) Visa", apply for a 30-month residence period and then renew it for 30 months, or stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years, (an initial period of 30 months, extendable by a further 30 months, or a single period of 5 years) , You can apply for residency afterwards.

According to the website, Hong Kong people can be able to work and study but you won't be able to access public funds such as social welfare benefits. Once Hong Kong residents lived there for 5 years, you may apply for further 12 months’ settlement and eventually British citizenship.

The British government also stated that special visa applicants do not need valid BN(O) passport to show this and you don’t need to request a new passport if it’s expired or has been lost. In addition, close relatives of BNO holders can also apply. Close relatives include spouses or civil partners, unmarried partners, children under the age of 18 at the time of the first application, and other highly dependent family members.

Six conditions that applicants need to meet:

1. You need to prove your identity as a BNO holder, but you do not need to hold a valid BNO passport. If the BNO is expired or lost, no need to apply for a new passport;

2. Live in Hong Kong;

3. Proof of financial ability to live in the UK for at least 6 months;

4. Must show willingness to learn English;

5. Need to obtain a tuberculosis test certificate issued by a medical service approved by the UK Home Office;

6. Visa fee and health tax are required.