More than 2,000 BNO holders have applied for "LOTR" arrangements to enter the UK early

The British government announced in July this year that Hong Kong residents and their close relatives who have a British National Overseas Passport (BNO) can apply for a special visa from January next year, and can stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years, and can apply for naturalization after another year of settlement. . The British Home Office subsequently announced that Hong Kong residents and their family members with BNO status can enter the UK in advance through the "Leave Outside the Rules (LOTR)" arrangement. According to members of the British House of Commons, from July 15 this year to the 14th of last month, a total of 2,116 BNO holders and their families were approved for LOTR.

Nigel Adams said in the House of Commons a few days ago that from July 15 to 14 of last month, a total of 2,116 BNO holders and their families were approved for LOTR. He also pointed out that although the number could not be used to estimate the number of applicants after the BNO special visa is officially implemented in January next year, he believes that the relevant number reflects that there will be no fewer BNO holders who wish to travel to the UK through this route.

The British government announced in July this year that starting from January next year, Hong Kong residents and their close relatives holding a British National (Overseas) passport (BNO) can apply for a special visa, apply for a 30-month stay period for a 30-month follow-up period, or stay in the UK The maximum time is 5 years, after which you apply for settlement for 1 year. Then you can apply for naturalization, which is regarded as a "5+1" plan. The applicant can work or study in the UK during this period, but will not receive social welfare and other protection.

Later, in September this year, the British Home Office announced the "Hong Kong BNO Visa Policy Statement" mentioned that border officers can first issue "LOTR" to persons with BNO status and their family members so that they can enter the UK early for a period of 6 months . Applicants with BNO status do not need to physically hold a BNO passport. Border officers can check the records to confirm the applicant’s BNO qualifications, but the person concerned must provide valid evidence to prove the relationship with their accompanying family members. Applicants should have the ability to support and adapt to life in the UK in the early stage, and have not committed serious criminal offences. Unlike entering the UK with a BNO visa-free stay for six months, people who arrive in the UK via "LOTR" can immediately work or study locally.