Instant International
Author: Cheng Yihua
2021-07-09 16:04
Last update date: 2021-07-09 16:05
The UK has officially opened its doors on January 31 for Hong Kong citizens who qualify for the British National (Overseas) Passport (BNO) to apply for a BNO Visa (BNO Visa) to stay in the UK. The London government will release an updated version of the "Welcome Brochure" on July 8. "Additional content includes what you need to know about buying a home, introducing the "Hong Kong Immigrant Welcome Center" network that is being established in the local area, etc.
On the same day, the British government website published a letter from the British Minister to the landlord and leasing agency, explaining the legal status of Hong Kong residents in the UK and stating that they have the right to rent a building in the UK.
On July 8, 2021, the British government issued an updated version of the "Welcome Booklet for Persons Holding Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa" (screenshot of the booklet)
The British government had previously released the Chinese version of the "Welcome Booklet" in April, and now it has launched an updated version.
The new content mentions that a network called "Hong Kong Welcome Hubs" (Hong Kong Welcome Hubs) is being established across the UK, with 12 centers located in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and refers to these The center will play a supporting role.
The new edition of the booklet also adds content about "ownership", reminding migrants of the precautions for buying a property in the UK, and what documents to prepare.
↓Click on the picture gallery to learn more about the BNO Residency Visa Program↓
+5
+5
+5
The British government also published a letter written by Robert Jenrick, Minister of Housing, Community and Local Government Affairs, on its website on July 8. The letter was sent to landlords and rental agencies on May 27.
Zheng Weiqi stated in the letter that he had met with newly arrived Hong Kong immigrants and learned that some people encountered problems when renting a property in the private market, so he wrote to the landlord and leasing agent to explain the relationship between the BNO visa holder and the Through the "Leave Outside the Rules" (LOTR) legal status of those studying in the UK, it is emphasized that they have the right to rent (Right to Rent) in the UK.
Letter from the Secretary of Housing, Community and Local Government Affairs, Zheng Weiqi, to landlords and leasing agencies in May 2021 (website screenshot)
Zheng Weiqi also pointed out that he understands that the license period for LOTR staying in the UK is 6 months, which may cause worries to the landlord or rental agent. However, he emphasized that landlords can still provide a 12-month short-term guaranteed rental agreement for LOTR people.
He later mentioned that although there is no guarantee that LOTR people will apply for a BNO visa or other residence permit, it is believed that most of them intend to stay in the UK for a long time.
Since the end of January 2021, the United Kingdom has officially opened for Hong Kong residents to apply for BNO visas. However, from July 2020, the British government has allowed BNO Hong Kong residents and their relatives to enter and stay temporarily in the form of a "Concession Permit" for a period of 6 years. Months, this form is abbreviated as LOTR.
The British government stated on July 8 that this discretionary entry arrangement will expire on July 19.
Read more:
BNO VISA｜British Government: After the LOTR deadline expires on July 19, a visa is required to travel to the UK
BNO VISA｜British Government: After the LOTR deadline expires on July 19, you must hold a visa to go to the UK
BNO Immigration︱British Council urges the government to relax the plan to allow more young people from Hong Kong to apply
BNO Immigration︱Britain amendments to allow the extremely poor to apply for government funding are expected to be up to 15,000 in 5 years
BNO VISA｜More than 3,000 applications per week, more than the UK estimate
BNO British National (Overseas) Passport Immigration Immigration Policy Hong Kong People Immigrate to the UK