“Catastrophically and categorically unfair” if Government “moves the goalposts” for Hong Kongers in U.K., says Lib Dem MP

The Lib Dem frontbench spokesperson for London Luke Taylor MP has called for the Government to clarify the impact of their recently published immigration white paper on Hong Kongers living in the U.K. with a British National (Overseas) Passport.

The white paper only makes one direct reference to the BNO passport scheme - and does not confirm whether or not changes to the standard qualifying period for applying for settlement will apply to those in the U.K. on the scheme.

The standard qualifying period is due to be extended to 10 years, and the Government claims it will consult later this year on giving “individuals… the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period based on Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society.”

Luke Taylor MP said:

“Offering Hong Kongers the BNO Passport scheme is something we can all be proud of - it shows that we stand with them in the face of oppression and we take seriously our commitment to our shared Commonwealth experience.

“I’m incredibly proud that many of them have come to Sutton intent on giving back to the community - by starting businesses, running local groups and working in our NHS and care sector.

“It would be catastrophically and categorically unfair for the Government to move the goalposts for Hong Kongers who are here on a BNO Passport and giving back to our community. Many of them fear returning to Hong Kong and living under the CCP’s increasingly authoritarian rule of the city.

“Hong Kongers deserve clarity on this. The Government must put peoples’ minds at ease and clarify urgently that Hong Kongers on a BNO Passport will continue to be able to apply for settlement after 5 years.”